You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
_askthebookbug's Reviews (1.34k)
Captain Elephant.
đ
Thank you for sending the review copy @aseem9999 :)
đ
When Mayas was born, his parents were ecstatic but their dreams were soon shattered when they realise that their son has a rare heart condition. This condition would later restrict him from taking part in any physical activity. His parents fuss over him and take care of him like he was still a baby. Frustrated by being confined to a chair throughout his childhood, Mayas sets out secretly in the night and goes running. He then discovers that he has special physical powers, one being incredibly fast.
đ
Mayas decides to use his strength and quickness in helping free the zoo animals and soon gets entangled in a web of complications. He discovers an attack by the terrorists and stops them from bombing the city. He stands face to face with the terrorist and fights a brave war at a very young age. Read the book for more details about Mayas's courage and also enjoy the hilarious puns included in the book now and then.
đ
There are two segments in the book that are neatly described. One is how Mayas was bullied at school and was forced to withdraw into a shell. And the other part being how Mayas overcame his fears and blossomed into a strong kid. The plot was unique, certainly the one which I haven't read before. Though I did find a few glitches in the story. The characters are loosely constructed and few conversations were dragged unnecessarily. The story fell a bit flat in the middle as well.
đ
I would rate this 2.8/5. This would be a good book for teenagers who are interested in superhero concepts.
đ
Thank you for sending the review copy @aseem9999 :)
đ
When Mayas was born, his parents were ecstatic but their dreams were soon shattered when they realise that their son has a rare heart condition. This condition would later restrict him from taking part in any physical activity. His parents fuss over him and take care of him like he was still a baby. Frustrated by being confined to a chair throughout his childhood, Mayas sets out secretly in the night and goes running. He then discovers that he has special physical powers, one being incredibly fast.
đ
Mayas decides to use his strength and quickness in helping free the zoo animals and soon gets entangled in a web of complications. He discovers an attack by the terrorists and stops them from bombing the city. He stands face to face with the terrorist and fights a brave war at a very young age. Read the book for more details about Mayas's courage and also enjoy the hilarious puns included in the book now and then.
đ
There are two segments in the book that are neatly described. One is how Mayas was bullied at school and was forced to withdraw into a shell. And the other part being how Mayas overcame his fears and blossomed into a strong kid. The plot was unique, certainly the one which I haven't read before. Though I did find a few glitches in the story. The characters are loosely constructed and few conversations were dragged unnecessarily. The story fell a bit flat in the middle as well.
đ
I would rate this 2.8/5. This would be a good book for teenagers who are interested in superhero concepts.
Jasmine Days.
đē
The story takes place in an unnamed middle eastern country during the time of revolt, freedom, protests and patriarchal society. The protagonist in the story is a migrant called Sameera who moves to the country and takes up the job of a RJ in a well known radio station. She notices different groups of people based on their language and religion and over the time, music brings a bunch of people together including Sameera.
đē
Here, she meets Ali, a man who later becomes her best friend, who voices his opinions about setting their country free by bringing down the Majesty's rule. When the turmoil sets in to end the rule, the immigrants are asked to leave the country, blood is shed and religions are divided into many. The book portrays the relationship between Shias and Sunnis which has been explained in detail.
đē
Sameera narrates the story by talking about the horrific things she had to witness during the Arab revolution. How her family became a target simply because they were immigrants and also belonged to the police department. I later searched on the internet about Arab revolution and was stunned by how ignorant I was about everything that had happened. Sameera struggles with her emotions as she witnesses many losses and about having to think of forgiveness and anger. The book leaves you with a question to ponder upon.
đē
Having had high expectations about this book after it won the JCB prize, I was really excited to give it a read. Half way through the book, I was still waiting for that strong pull. Though the plot was exceptionally written, it somehow fell flat in the middle. I was disappointed by Sameera's development in the very end. I know that I'll be among the minority by not actually liking this book as much as I wanted to. But this book did not excite me.
đē
QOTD - Which JCB nominated or prize winning book is your favourite?
đē
I would rate this book 2.7/5.
đē
The story takes place in an unnamed middle eastern country during the time of revolt, freedom, protests and patriarchal society. The protagonist in the story is a migrant called Sameera who moves to the country and takes up the job of a RJ in a well known radio station. She notices different groups of people based on their language and religion and over the time, music brings a bunch of people together including Sameera.
đē
Here, she meets Ali, a man who later becomes her best friend, who voices his opinions about setting their country free by bringing down the Majesty's rule. When the turmoil sets in to end the rule, the immigrants are asked to leave the country, blood is shed and religions are divided into many. The book portrays the relationship between Shias and Sunnis which has been explained in detail.
đē
Sameera narrates the story by talking about the horrific things she had to witness during the Arab revolution. How her family became a target simply because they were immigrants and also belonged to the police department. I later searched on the internet about Arab revolution and was stunned by how ignorant I was about everything that had happened. Sameera struggles with her emotions as she witnesses many losses and about having to think of forgiveness and anger. The book leaves you with a question to ponder upon.
đē
Having had high expectations about this book after it won the JCB prize, I was really excited to give it a read. Half way through the book, I was still waiting for that strong pull. Though the plot was exceptionally written, it somehow fell flat in the middle. I was disappointed by Sameera's development in the very end. I know that I'll be among the minority by not actually liking this book as much as I wanted to. But this book did not excite me.
đē
QOTD - Which JCB nominated or prize winning book is your favourite?
đē
I would rate this book 2.7/5.
Ants among elephants.
đ¸
"You cannot tell them about your life. It would reveal your caste. Because your life is your caste, your caste is your life." - Sujatha Gidla.
đ¸
It's hard to sum up a book that is so honest and raw. The author talks about how her family and many others in Andhra had to face the atrocities of untouchability. This is the author's own story as she does her research and gathers all the information about her family.
đ¸
Untouchability was a major factor back when India was just free from the British. The caste system was taken seriously and anyone who breaks it had to pay hefty fines or were excommunicated. The book has two major characters. One being Sujatha's uncle Sathyam and her mother, Manjula. Sathyam was always a revolutionist. Being a college dropout due to poverty he started getting involved in politics and starts writing poems. Gradually he gets dragged into communist parties and he stays there for good.
đ¸
Manjula, was an intelligent woman who was always looked down upon by her friends for being black, skinny and untouchable. She was the closest comrade that her brother had and her interest piqued in matters outside the village. She like others first-handly experienced the injustice and various rituals that untouchables had to go through. How Hindus were converted to Christianity to survive poverty and afford education, how women were supposed to dress up plainly to not attract attention and how caste was above everything. Above God even.
đ¸
I expected this book to be focussed on untouchability and untouchability alone but the author explained about communism and politics that dates back to the Nizam and Nehru. The author herself was a young rebel who was jailed and tortured when she was just 19. This book to me was an eyeopener. I had of course, heard about caste system but this book contains every knowledge about how India became the nation that it is today.
đ¸
If you are expecting this to be a good entertainer then you'll be disappointment.There's no beating about the bush.I would rate this book 4.5/5.
đ¸
"You cannot tell them about your life. It would reveal your caste. Because your life is your caste, your caste is your life." - Sujatha Gidla.
đ¸
It's hard to sum up a book that is so honest and raw. The author talks about how her family and many others in Andhra had to face the atrocities of untouchability. This is the author's own story as she does her research and gathers all the information about her family.
đ¸
Untouchability was a major factor back when India was just free from the British. The caste system was taken seriously and anyone who breaks it had to pay hefty fines or were excommunicated. The book has two major characters. One being Sujatha's uncle Sathyam and her mother, Manjula. Sathyam was always a revolutionist. Being a college dropout due to poverty he started getting involved in politics and starts writing poems. Gradually he gets dragged into communist parties and he stays there for good.
đ¸
Manjula, was an intelligent woman who was always looked down upon by her friends for being black, skinny and untouchable. She was the closest comrade that her brother had and her interest piqued in matters outside the village. She like others first-handly experienced the injustice and various rituals that untouchables had to go through. How Hindus were converted to Christianity to survive poverty and afford education, how women were supposed to dress up plainly to not attract attention and how caste was above everything. Above God even.
đ¸
I expected this book to be focussed on untouchability and untouchability alone but the author explained about communism and politics that dates back to the Nizam and Nehru. The author herself was a young rebel who was jailed and tortured when she was just 19. This book to me was an eyeopener. I had of course, heard about caste system but this book contains every knowledge about how India became the nation that it is today.
đ¸
If you are expecting this to be a good entertainer then you'll be disappointment.There's no beating about the bush.I would rate this book 4.5/5.
Poonachi.
đ
This book has been staring at me everytime I visit a bookstore. It's everywhere. The cover, I admit is fascinating. The storyline is subtle yet powerful nonetheless. Perumal Murugan is a genius and I'll tell you why.
đ
What starts off as a fable weaves magic and eventually draws you in. The author is known for choosing versatile topics and putting it out for the world to read and enjoy. Poonachi was no different and at the end, my heart sobbed. Murugan talks about the lives of cattle and the caretakers who constantly check on them.
đ
When a stranger hands off a tiny black goat to an old man and asks him to take care of her, the elderly couple are left bewildered. They then name her Poonachi. The goat looked feeble and helpless. People and also other animals would butt around and make fun of the goat for being so tiny. The story is so vividly written from the perspective of the goat as well as from the caretakers point of view that it left me amazed.
đ
Poonachi grows up under the protection of the old woman and learns about the ways of a goat's life. She goes through heartbreak, pain, longing and also confusion. She finds love only to lose it later. She lives a grand life and yet is cursed for being so problematic. This book shows the relationship between fellow cattle and also between the people. With the arrival of Poonachi, the old couple's relationship turns sweeter.
đ
The author has mentioned in great detail about every minute feeling that Poonachi felt throughout her life. The tragic end of the book had me reeling. This book was much hyped and I personally felt it was worth it. I would rate this book 5/5.
đ
This book has been staring at me everytime I visit a bookstore. It's everywhere. The cover, I admit is fascinating. The storyline is subtle yet powerful nonetheless. Perumal Murugan is a genius and I'll tell you why.
đ
What starts off as a fable weaves magic and eventually draws you in. The author is known for choosing versatile topics and putting it out for the world to read and enjoy. Poonachi was no different and at the end, my heart sobbed. Murugan talks about the lives of cattle and the caretakers who constantly check on them.
đ
When a stranger hands off a tiny black goat to an old man and asks him to take care of her, the elderly couple are left bewildered. They then name her Poonachi. The goat looked feeble and helpless. People and also other animals would butt around and make fun of the goat for being so tiny. The story is so vividly written from the perspective of the goat as well as from the caretakers point of view that it left me amazed.
đ
Poonachi grows up under the protection of the old woman and learns about the ways of a goat's life. She goes through heartbreak, pain, longing and also confusion. She finds love only to lose it later. She lives a grand life and yet is cursed for being so problematic. This book shows the relationship between fellow cattle and also between the people. With the arrival of Poonachi, the old couple's relationship turns sweeter.
đ
The author has mentioned in great detail about every minute feeling that Poonachi felt throughout her life. The tragic end of the book had me reeling. This book was much hyped and I personally felt it was worth it. I would rate this book 5/5.
Wake up, girl!
â¨
Thank you for the review copy @niharikatheauthor :)
â¨
Most of the Indian women have heard outrageous things ever since they were kids. 'Don't laugh out loud', 'Sit properly', 'Always be presentable', 'What will people say', and what not. We have all been there and this is why I personally found this book quite relatable.
â¨
Naina Bansal moves to Boston to get her degree because her parents forced her to. Being naive and living alone for the first time, she discovers the beauty of exploring the City. She makes friends and also falls in love with a handsome boy called Ayaan. Everything is rosy for two years as she lives her life in the USA and her relationship only strengthens with time. When Naina's mother becomes aware of her daughter's love life, she immediately tells her to call it off. Being a timid girl, Naina let's Ayaan slip from her fingers.
â¨
As a typical Indian family, her parents start looking for a perspective groom for Naina as soon as she graduates. Inspite of saying no, she gets entangled in an arranged engagement which turns out to be an utter disaster. All these incidents transforms Naina into a stronger version of she ever was and she decides to get her life back on track. Will Naina ever find her calling in life? Will she ever meet the right guy? Pick up this book to know how she spins her life around.
â¨
This book is honest and extremely lighthearted. Yes, it does have its intense scenarios but it was witty and humourous at the same time. Naina is the girl next door, a girl we all were or are, a girl who has been bound by society's constraints more often than once. Though I did find few bits in the story leaning towards Bollywood movies, it does the job of keeping the readers amused.The author has done a splendid job in bringing the characters together including the pestering aunties to the parents.
â¨
I would rate this book 3.8/5.
â¨
Thank you for the review copy @niharikatheauthor :)
â¨
Most of the Indian women have heard outrageous things ever since they were kids. 'Don't laugh out loud', 'Sit properly', 'Always be presentable', 'What will people say', and what not. We have all been there and this is why I personally found this book quite relatable.
â¨
Naina Bansal moves to Boston to get her degree because her parents forced her to. Being naive and living alone for the first time, she discovers the beauty of exploring the City. She makes friends and also falls in love with a handsome boy called Ayaan. Everything is rosy for two years as she lives her life in the USA and her relationship only strengthens with time. When Naina's mother becomes aware of her daughter's love life, she immediately tells her to call it off. Being a timid girl, Naina let's Ayaan slip from her fingers.
â¨
As a typical Indian family, her parents start looking for a perspective groom for Naina as soon as she graduates. Inspite of saying no, she gets entangled in an arranged engagement which turns out to be an utter disaster. All these incidents transforms Naina into a stronger version of she ever was and she decides to get her life back on track. Will Naina ever find her calling in life? Will she ever meet the right guy? Pick up this book to know how she spins her life around.
â¨
This book is honest and extremely lighthearted. Yes, it does have its intense scenarios but it was witty and humourous at the same time. Naina is the girl next door, a girl we all were or are, a girl who has been bound by society's constraints more often than once. Though I did find few bits in the story leaning towards Bollywood movies, it does the job of keeping the readers amused.The author has done a splendid job in bringing the characters together including the pestering aunties to the parents.
â¨
I would rate this book 3.8/5.
The River Widow.
đ
Thank you so much for the review copy @annhowardcreel.
đ
Let me start off by saying how excited thriller genre makes me feel. I started reading this book in the morning and I'm done by 6 in the evening. I guess it speaks for itself :)
đ
The River Widow is the story of a young woman named Adah, who gets orphaned at a very young age. After being left on her own, she learns how to use Tarot reading and starts making a meager living out of it. She gets lured in by a handsome man during one of her readings and before she knows, they are married. Lester, her husband starts showing his true side very soon after their wedding. Adah lives under the care of her abusive husband for three years, taking care of her stepdaughter, Daisy.
đ
Things turn for worse when a flood engulfs their farm and Adah accidentally kills Les in self-defense. Now Adah has no option but to go back to Les's family before they can hurt Daisy. Les's family, the Branches are known for their mean tricks and conniving behaviour. As Adah struggles to live amongst the Branches after being mentally and physically tortured, she eventually finds a plan to escape from their clutches. But it isn't so easy to deceive a family that's so powerful.
đ
Luckily, Adah finds a confidante and conjures up a plan. But will she be able to escape once and for all? Will she defeat the Branches? This story had me in its grip from the very first page. The plot, the anticipation of where the story is heading had be baffled. The characters are masterfully worked on. It truly felt amazing to read such an amazing thriller.
đ
I would rate this book 5/5.
đ
Thank you so much for the review copy @annhowardcreel.
đ
Let me start off by saying how excited thriller genre makes me feel. I started reading this book in the morning and I'm done by 6 in the evening. I guess it speaks for itself :)
đ
The River Widow is the story of a young woman named Adah, who gets orphaned at a very young age. After being left on her own, she learns how to use Tarot reading and starts making a meager living out of it. She gets lured in by a handsome man during one of her readings and before she knows, they are married. Lester, her husband starts showing his true side very soon after their wedding. Adah lives under the care of her abusive husband for three years, taking care of her stepdaughter, Daisy.
đ
Things turn for worse when a flood engulfs their farm and Adah accidentally kills Les in self-defense. Now Adah has no option but to go back to Les's family before they can hurt Daisy. Les's family, the Branches are known for their mean tricks and conniving behaviour. As Adah struggles to live amongst the Branches after being mentally and physically tortured, she eventually finds a plan to escape from their clutches. But it isn't so easy to deceive a family that's so powerful.
đ
Luckily, Adah finds a confidante and conjures up a plan. But will she be able to escape once and for all? Will she defeat the Branches? This story had me in its grip from the very first page. The plot, the anticipation of where the story is heading had be baffled. The characters are masterfully worked on. It truly felt amazing to read such an amazing thriller.
đ
I would rate this book 5/5.
Ashwatthama's Redemption.
đ
Thank you so much for the review copy @the.author.gunjan :)
đ
Thousands of people have narrated Mahabharat in thousand different ways and I never tire of reading them all. This book is written from Ashwatthama's perspective which gives us a peek of what happened during Kurukshetra war and the consequences he had to face post it.
đ
Ashwatthama was the mighty warrior Dronacharya's son who inherited his father's fighting skills and perhaps was the only person who was as strong as Arjuna and Karna. When Ashwatthama realised that his father was killed by deceit during the Kurukshetra war, he gets possessed by Lord Shiva and kills all the sons of Pandavas. Lord Krishna then curses Ashwatthama to a life of eternal pain and misery. This story picks up post the war where Ashwatthama decides to help the world and also earn his redemption.
đ
When King Vikram approaches Ashwatthama with news of the Asura Dandak being ressurected, he knows he is the only one to have the power to kill Dandak. Being a demigod, Ashwatthama and the other Kings leave on their journey for Lord Rama's bow, Kodanda. They are then faced by problems of passing through the forest of illusions and many other difficulties. The story then leads to how they procure the bow and device a plan to end Dandak.
đ
Ashwatthama is haunted by his sins of killing the Upapandavas yet he realises that without him Dandak's rise is inevitable. The story is exceptionally written, giving much needed insights about the Mahabharat and Kurukshetra war. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and also came to admire Ashwatthama's character for not many books are written about this unsung hero. The language is crisp and the flow of the story is beautiful.
đ
Indian Mythology fascinates me for there are so many hidden stories and characters that authors these days are trying to shed some light on. I would rate this book 5/5.
đ
Thank you so much for the review copy @the.author.gunjan :)
đ
Thousands of people have narrated Mahabharat in thousand different ways and I never tire of reading them all. This book is written from Ashwatthama's perspective which gives us a peek of what happened during Kurukshetra war and the consequences he had to face post it.
đ
Ashwatthama was the mighty warrior Dronacharya's son who inherited his father's fighting skills and perhaps was the only person who was as strong as Arjuna and Karna. When Ashwatthama realised that his father was killed by deceit during the Kurukshetra war, he gets possessed by Lord Shiva and kills all the sons of Pandavas. Lord Krishna then curses Ashwatthama to a life of eternal pain and misery. This story picks up post the war where Ashwatthama decides to help the world and also earn his redemption.
đ
When King Vikram approaches Ashwatthama with news of the Asura Dandak being ressurected, he knows he is the only one to have the power to kill Dandak. Being a demigod, Ashwatthama and the other Kings leave on their journey for Lord Rama's bow, Kodanda. They are then faced by problems of passing through the forest of illusions and many other difficulties. The story then leads to how they procure the bow and device a plan to end Dandak.
đ
Ashwatthama is haunted by his sins of killing the Upapandavas yet he realises that without him Dandak's rise is inevitable. The story is exceptionally written, giving much needed insights about the Mahabharat and Kurukshetra war. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and also came to admire Ashwatthama's character for not many books are written about this unsung hero. The language is crisp and the flow of the story is beautiful.
đ
Indian Mythology fascinates me for there are so many hidden stories and characters that authors these days are trying to shed some light on. I would rate this book 5/5.
Crack of dawn.
đģ
Thank you for sending the review copy @lulubora1173.
đģ
Poetry has never been my cup of tea but when the author approached me to review her collection, I was intrigued. Partly because of the title and partly because of the concept.
đģ
Crack of dawn is the love story between a girl and a biker. Spread into three chapters, the author takes us through their journey through well written poems. Few were relatable, but few just slipped through my fingers. The first chapter talks about the biker's introduction. The second chapter talks about how the girl falls in love with him. And the third speaks about the time they spend together.
đģ
The poems are intricate and portrays the delicate relationship between the characters. There are beautiful illustrations which amplify the feel of poetry and might also prove to be helpful for those who are trying their hand at poetry for the first time. I quite enjoyed the collection though I found the spark missing in couple of scenarios. The poems feel personal and intimate.
đģ
Crack of dawn is what we call modern poetry and keeps the readers interested till the end. I however felt that there could have been more focus on the characters' development. Though I enjoyed it, I'm afraid that readers might lose track if they're newly exploring poetry and prose.
đģ
I would rate this read 3.8/5.
đģ
Thank you for sending the review copy @lulubora1173.
đģ
Poetry has never been my cup of tea but when the author approached me to review her collection, I was intrigued. Partly because of the title and partly because of the concept.
đģ
Crack of dawn is the love story between a girl and a biker. Spread into three chapters, the author takes us through their journey through well written poems. Few were relatable, but few just slipped through my fingers. The first chapter talks about the biker's introduction. The second chapter talks about how the girl falls in love with him. And the third speaks about the time they spend together.
đģ
The poems are intricate and portrays the delicate relationship between the characters. There are beautiful illustrations which amplify the feel of poetry and might also prove to be helpful for those who are trying their hand at poetry for the first time. I quite enjoyed the collection though I found the spark missing in couple of scenarios. The poems feel personal and intimate.
đģ
Crack of dawn is what we call modern poetry and keeps the readers interested till the end. I however felt that there could have been more focus on the characters' development. Though I enjoyed it, I'm afraid that readers might lose track if they're newly exploring poetry and prose.
đģ
I would rate this read 3.8/5.