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bookschharming's reviews
478 reviews
THE GIFT OF LIFE : An Autobiography by Aabha Rosy Vatsa
3.0
The Gift of Life is a memoir based on Aabha Rosy Vatsa's experience of gaining freedom. She wrote more than twelve books. She is also a blogger when she starts blogging, she dreamed of writing an autobiography one day. Now she has done it.
She was born in Phagwara Punjab, but soon her family shifts to Allahabad. Aabha has two elder and one younger sister. She shares fond memories of her birth town and Allahabad. Her parents wanted a boy, so at the birth of her younger sister, her mother felt sad, and that portrayed the time of the '70s very well. Despite that, her parents provide a good education, to all the girls. When the author was twelve years old, she had to move to Mongu, Zambia. She dedicates a whole chapter to that part of her life, studies, and African culture.
She came back to India for college studies and married to Sanjeev. Things took a turn from here. She soon finds out about Sanjeev's drinking problem, and his behavior after the liquor consumption bothered Aabha for a very long time. Her orthodox family never troubled by Aabha's difficulties because she became the mother of two daughters, and divorce is a big deal. She tried to be free, but all her attempts go in vain.
Her family conspired against her, drugged her, even threatened her. Aabha's sisters are educated, but instead of supporting her, they made the matter worse. Aabha needed a savior, someone whom she can confide in. She finds some solace; while talking to online friends. But inner peace comes from the freedom which she is seeking for so long. When she found herself utterly alone, she shifts her focus to spiritual and religious principles. That's why the book has plenty of material related to different God/Goddesses, and whereby they inspire the author to keep going. She believes in Karma; her teachings from childhood helped her to get going. She puts her pain into words.
Half part of the book hooked me, but the other part feels partly-done. I respect her journey, but I wanted the answers as a reader. She talks about what her family did, but why she never confront them is the question that bothers me. Also, there is not a single proper conversation that has to be seen between Sanjeev and Aabha's, where they talk about all the issues; they are having. Aabha's elder daughter and her husband's POV on divorce is something I wanted to read. Also, more about Jatin and other kith and kin. The author left so many things at a cliff-hanger, which saddens me.
Being an Indian woman, everyone wants you to stay in a toxic marriage, even one's children. It is tragic because every person has the right to live their life, make their own decisions, but our society makes sure that women feel guilty at every step of her life. Especially, if she thinks of her happiness first. This book is the embodiment of that deep-rooted mentality.
The book addresses some serious circumstances a woman has to face. The battles the author has to fight is keeping herself sane. She used lucid language, but it needs serious proofreading. I found spelling errors and missing punctuation in many places. Aabha's story will certainly encourage women to take control of their lives. She has her ups and downs, but I am glad that now, she finally attains what she wanted. Be you unapologetically. I think the book is best suitable for female readers and newbies.
Read more here - https://www.bookscharming.com/
She was born in Phagwara Punjab, but soon her family shifts to Allahabad. Aabha has two elder and one younger sister. She shares fond memories of her birth town and Allahabad. Her parents wanted a boy, so at the birth of her younger sister, her mother felt sad, and that portrayed the time of the '70s very well. Despite that, her parents provide a good education, to all the girls. When the author was twelve years old, she had to move to Mongu, Zambia. She dedicates a whole chapter to that part of her life, studies, and African culture.
She came back to India for college studies and married to Sanjeev. Things took a turn from here. She soon finds out about Sanjeev's drinking problem, and his behavior after the liquor consumption bothered Aabha for a very long time. Her orthodox family never troubled by Aabha's difficulties because she became the mother of two daughters, and divorce is a big deal. She tried to be free, but all her attempts go in vain.
Her family conspired against her, drugged her, even threatened her. Aabha's sisters are educated, but instead of supporting her, they made the matter worse. Aabha needed a savior, someone whom she can confide in. She finds some solace; while talking to online friends. But inner peace comes from the freedom which she is seeking for so long. When she found herself utterly alone, she shifts her focus to spiritual and religious principles. That's why the book has plenty of material related to different God/Goddesses, and whereby they inspire the author to keep going. She believes in Karma; her teachings from childhood helped her to get going. She puts her pain into words.
Half part of the book hooked me, but the other part feels partly-done. I respect her journey, but I wanted the answers as a reader. She talks about what her family did, but why she never confront them is the question that bothers me. Also, there is not a single proper conversation that has to be seen between Sanjeev and Aabha's, where they talk about all the issues; they are having. Aabha's elder daughter and her husband's POV on divorce is something I wanted to read. Also, more about Jatin and other kith and kin. The author left so many things at a cliff-hanger, which saddens me.
Being an Indian woman, everyone wants you to stay in a toxic marriage, even one's children. It is tragic because every person has the right to live their life, make their own decisions, but our society makes sure that women feel guilty at every step of her life. Especially, if she thinks of her happiness first. This book is the embodiment of that deep-rooted mentality.
The book addresses some serious circumstances a woman has to face. The battles the author has to fight is keeping herself sane. She used lucid language, but it needs serious proofreading. I found spelling errors and missing punctuation in many places. Aabha's story will certainly encourage women to take control of their lives. She has her ups and downs, but I am glad that now, she finally attains what she wanted. Be you unapologetically. I think the book is best suitable for female readers and newbies.
Read more here - https://www.bookscharming.com/
Glory Roslyn and the Heart of Universe by Tushar
3.0
Glory Roslyn and The Heart of Universe is the first part of the six-book series written by Indian author Tushar. In his debut book, he created a seven world that are connected with hidden portals known as cameras. An eleven-year-old girl named Glory and Lintie discovers a magical creature, named Roslyn, that drives them into the hidden world.
They are far away from the Earth and finds themselves into the lands of Kaiser. The chief Paterfamilias helped them to get acquainted with their new surroundings. He considered them as three saviors who will help them to get their people redemption. While Lintie and Glory's main objective is to find Roslyn's parents, destiny has some other plans for them. Glory has something on her hand known as Loops of Fortune that makes her special. She brings hope wherever she goes.
In another world, named Alphorns, King Vayne's sister Mystic Misti, the Goddess of hope was blasphemed by some evil beings. All the efforts to bring her back were backfired. According to a prophecy, she shares a connection with the saviors. The author further portrays the kinships protectors made in their journey, and their fights to bring hope. They made some tough choices that create a firm base for upcoming books and give endless ideas about what to anticipate.
Narration - The book is fast-paced and pinned the readers from the start. It has Ill dwellers, witches, wizards, warlocks, ghosts, and many other deadly monsters that helped the story to progress smoothly, but none of them leaves a mark. Not a single villain is noteworthy. Maybe they all are just puppets. Tushar has done good work, but I am expecting much more mysteries and sensible-deep conversations, and about the real knave in the next volume. Overall, this book is proved to be a one-time fun read. If you're new into fantasy, this book will prove to be a good start. I recommend it to young adult readers.
Read more here - https://www.bookscharming.com/
They are far away from the Earth and finds themselves into the lands of Kaiser. The chief Paterfamilias helped them to get acquainted with their new surroundings. He considered them as three saviors who will help them to get their people redemption. While Lintie and Glory's main objective is to find Roslyn's parents, destiny has some other plans for them. Glory has something on her hand known as Loops of Fortune that makes her special. She brings hope wherever she goes.
In another world, named Alphorns, King Vayne's sister Mystic Misti, the Goddess of hope was blasphemed by some evil beings. All the efforts to bring her back were backfired. According to a prophecy, she shares a connection with the saviors. The author further portrays the kinships protectors made in their journey, and their fights to bring hope. They made some tough choices that create a firm base for upcoming books and give endless ideas about what to anticipate.
Narration - The book is fast-paced and pinned the readers from the start. It has Ill dwellers, witches, wizards, warlocks, ghosts, and many other deadly monsters that helped the story to progress smoothly, but none of them leaves a mark. Not a single villain is noteworthy. Maybe they all are just puppets. Tushar has done good work, but I am expecting much more mysteries and sensible-deep conversations, and about the real knave in the next volume. Overall, this book is proved to be a one-time fun read. If you're new into fantasy, this book will prove to be a good start. I recommend it to young adult readers.
Read more here - https://www.bookscharming.com/
The Man Who Became Khali by Vinit K. Bansal, Dalip Singh Rana
3.0
Dalip Singh Rana is a well-known Indian wrestler. He was born and brought up in a small town of Himachal Pradesh. He subtly portrayed his journey with the co-author, Vinit K. Bansal. The book narrates his early struggle days, and the reality of daily wagers in India. When he was eight years old, he dropped out of school; starts earning so he can support his family.
Due to his bulky physique, he was always the topic of gossip. It bothers him, but he can't do anything about it. Instead of looming into negativity, he started focusing on the bright side. Due to his build, he easily accomplishes difficult tasks and brings bread at home. Before starting his wrestling career, he worked as a bodyguard in Shimla, and constable in Jalandhar. People slowly started noticing him, and he did everything to earned respect and fame. He played shot-put, won the title of Mr. Punjab, Mr. North India, and Mr. India in the following years.
He moved to the US for WWE, but his journey is full of struggle. People exploit him in the past due to his lack of education, and now he is in a whole new world. The different culture, food, and language made his life challenging. He comes from a place where these challenges seem little, and he doesn't want to go home empty hand. So, he sticks, he sticks until he reached his goal. First it is about playing in the WWE, but then it all becomes about being the World Heavyweight Champion. His ultimate goal.
He talks about his wife, Harminder Kaur, and the role she played in his success. Although, he didn't mention much about his parents POV about wrestling. The book covers the details of his short temper, kiss cam, and fights, but I felt that the vast part of his life was not shown in it. His life turn-around because he always did what he wanted to do, and take tough decisions. A few anecdotes are chuckling, and others show his determination.
I read a few memoirs of celebrities, and what I miss in this book is the unseen pictures. Also, the book is fast-paced and short, but it should have been more thorough and gave insights into the Great Khali's world in an efficient way. I picked this book because I watch his matches (I was a big fan of WWE, my sister and I enact their moves when we fight, we also had WWE deck cards and played a lot, those were some great times of my life.) when I was growing up and it feels good to know about him.
He is one of those people who made a grand life bit by bit; one can extract motivation from that section. This book proves to be one time read, so if you're looking for some light non-fiction/biography to read, this book is the one.
Read more here - https://www.bookscharming.com/
Due to his bulky physique, he was always the topic of gossip. It bothers him, but he can't do anything about it. Instead of looming into negativity, he started focusing on the bright side. Due to his build, he easily accomplishes difficult tasks and brings bread at home. Before starting his wrestling career, he worked as a bodyguard in Shimla, and constable in Jalandhar. People slowly started noticing him, and he did everything to earned respect and fame. He played shot-put, won the title of Mr. Punjab, Mr. North India, and Mr. India in the following years.
He moved to the US for WWE, but his journey is full of struggle. People exploit him in the past due to his lack of education, and now he is in a whole new world. The different culture, food, and language made his life challenging. He comes from a place where these challenges seem little, and he doesn't want to go home empty hand. So, he sticks, he sticks until he reached his goal. First it is about playing in the WWE, but then it all becomes about being the World Heavyweight Champion. His ultimate goal.
He talks about his wife, Harminder Kaur, and the role she played in his success. Although, he didn't mention much about his parents POV about wrestling. The book covers the details of his short temper, kiss cam, and fights, but I felt that the vast part of his life was not shown in it. His life turn-around because he always did what he wanted to do, and take tough decisions. A few anecdotes are chuckling, and others show his determination.
I read a few memoirs of celebrities, and what I miss in this book is the unseen pictures. Also, the book is fast-paced and short, but it should have been more thorough and gave insights into the Great Khali's world in an efficient way. I picked this book because I watch his matches (I was a big fan of WWE, my sister and I enact their moves when we fight, we also had WWE deck cards and played a lot, those were some great times of my life.) when I was growing up and it feels good to know about him.
He is one of those people who made a grand life bit by bit; one can extract motivation from that section. This book proves to be one time read, so if you're looking for some light non-fiction/biography to read, this book is the one.
Read more here - https://www.bookscharming.com/
Learn to Love: Guide to Healing Your Disappointing Love Life by Thomas Jordan
4.0
Learn to Love is a product of 30 years of clinical research done by psychoanalyst and psychologist Dr. Thomas Jordan. He helped his patients to live a healthy love life, and now with this book, he guides the readers like me, and you. Now the question is how one can learn to love? Before that we need to understand, what is love, and how it affects us?
When someone asked you about your first love, your mind revolves around your first boyfriend/girlfriend. The first heartbreak and all, but our first interaction starts when we were born. Whatever you learned or see in your house affects your love lives in the later years. Most of the people don't know about it; they behave in a pattern that sometimes turns their relationship into a toxic one.
I am sure once in a while you asked yourself why the same thing happened to me; all the time or why did not I find the perfect person? The answer is not easy, but it lies in our subconscious mind. According to the author, your exposure to certain unhealthy relationship experiences will unknowingly teach you how to act in a love relationship. The feelings like suspicion, abuse, abandonment, neglect, control, affect our capacity to love wholeheartedly. This negativity comes from our past love experiences or our parents.
This book shows a way to unlearn these feelings, so one can live a happy life. I know it is easy to jump from one partner to another, but at some point, we need to stop that and start working on ourselves. Thomas Jordan shares techniques to unlearn and then re-learn to grow and comprehend yourself. He provided the list of unhealthy relationship experiences to help us understand the issues.
The author shares his struggles that influence his love life and how did he subdue it. The book is very informative, but I felt the content is monotonous in some places. I'll advise you to read this book slowly to absorb the instructions. The book gave a clear idea about a healthy and unhealthy relationship, how to avoid it, and deal with your emotions because the only thing we can control in a love relationship is the way we relate in love. I enjoy reading this book, it provides insights that we all need to stay happy in a love alliance.
Read more here - https://www.bookscharming.com/
When someone asked you about your first love, your mind revolves around your first boyfriend/girlfriend. The first heartbreak and all, but our first interaction starts when we were born. Whatever you learned or see in your house affects your love lives in the later years. Most of the people don't know about it; they behave in a pattern that sometimes turns their relationship into a toxic one.
I am sure once in a while you asked yourself why the same thing happened to me; all the time or why did not I find the perfect person? The answer is not easy, but it lies in our subconscious mind. According to the author, your exposure to certain unhealthy relationship experiences will unknowingly teach you how to act in a love relationship. The feelings like suspicion, abuse, abandonment, neglect, control, affect our capacity to love wholeheartedly. This negativity comes from our past love experiences or our parents.
This book shows a way to unlearn these feelings, so one can live a happy life. I know it is easy to jump from one partner to another, but at some point, we need to stop that and start working on ourselves. Thomas Jordan shares techniques to unlearn and then re-learn to grow and comprehend yourself. He provided the list of unhealthy relationship experiences to help us understand the issues.
The author shares his struggles that influence his love life and how did he subdue it. The book is very informative, but I felt the content is monotonous in some places. I'll advise you to read this book slowly to absorb the instructions. The book gave a clear idea about a healthy and unhealthy relationship, how to avoid it, and deal with your emotions because the only thing we can control in a love relationship is the way we relate in love. I enjoy reading this book, it provides insights that we all need to stay happy in a love alliance.
Read more here - https://www.bookscharming.com/
The Secret Hero by Rhonda Byrne
5.0
This is the story about why you are here on planet Earth. There is something special about everyone. The life we live and the life we always want to live is different but how can you fulfill your dreams shows in this book. This book is about the journey of twelve most successful people living in the world today. They share their stories and reveal everything one's needs to live their dream. The book consists of four parts with the struggle faced by the heroes of this story.
Part One - The Dream
Whatever circumstances you were born into, whatever family life and education you had or didn't have, you came here to make your dreams come true, and no matter where you are now, you are fully equipped with everything you need to do it. It's not the conditions of the outside world that determine whether or not your dreams will be fulfilled. By realizing your dreams, you will realize the greatness in you. The author described that every single person born with some unique talent or ability and no matter how impossible that dream seems to be, you are being called to follow it. When you refuse the call from life to follow your dreams, you run the risk of living an unfulfilled and unhappy life & you will feel regret it in the future.
Even if you don't know yet what your dream is, there's something you can do right now that will accelerate your dream materializing: give your best to whatever you're currently doing. Follow your bliss and follow it with all of your heart. Although you can't see the whole way ahead, your bliss is the thread that will lead you to all of your dreams.
"Take a job that you love. I think you are out of your mind if you keep taking jobs that you don't like because you think it will look good on your resume. Isn't that a little like saving up sex for your old age?" - Warren Buffett
Part Two - The Hero
To believe in yourself is perhaps the most powerful ability you have available to you. Your belief will carry you through every difficult situation or circumstance. If you don't believe in yourself today it just means that in your life you have accepted thoughts about yourself that other people put upon you and you believed them to be true. Remind yourself that you have incredibly powerful abilities and all you need to do is take one step at a time. People think you are a liar when you're visualizing your dreams because they think, that's not happening. That's not here. But it's absolutely here because if you can think about it. It can happen. There are always going to be both positive and negative experiences. But if you consistently look for the good and maintain a positive attitude you will triumph. If you have a burning desire for your dream, then you will have all the determination you need to make it a reality.
"Success is achieved twice. Once in the mind and the second time in the real world." - Azim Premji
Part Three - The Quest
Many people give up on their dreams or don't even begin to pursue them because from where they are standing they can't see the whole path of their dream. No successful person has ever known how his or her dream would happen. They simply believed that it would happen, and didn't give up until it had. Your dream will never end up being smaller than what you thought. It will only become greater, in ways you could never have imagined. Every obstacle or challenge you encounter on the Hero's journey transforms you as you acquire the strength of character and the qualities you need to overcome the challenge.
"Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great." - Mark Twain
Part Four - Victory
The ultimate reward for the success of your dream does not mark the end of the journey, but the beginning of another. Experiencing the rewards from realizing a dream is glorious, and every person who fulfills their dream deserves each and every one of those rewards. You can help others with your time or resources. At the end of the Hero's journey, you will discover that the eternal happiness you've been looking for is in the discovery of who you really are.
This book is very inspiring and motivating. This book tells us that nothing is impossible. The author uses quotes from others to inspire. All you need to believe in your instinct. I would highly recommend this book and it's worth your time and money.
If whatever you do help just one person, you've done something wonderful." - Blake Mycoskie
Read more here - https://www.bookscharming.com/
Part One - The Dream
Whatever circumstances you were born into, whatever family life and education you had or didn't have, you came here to make your dreams come true, and no matter where you are now, you are fully equipped with everything you need to do it. It's not the conditions of the outside world that determine whether or not your dreams will be fulfilled. By realizing your dreams, you will realize the greatness in you. The author described that every single person born with some unique talent or ability and no matter how impossible that dream seems to be, you are being called to follow it. When you refuse the call from life to follow your dreams, you run the risk of living an unfulfilled and unhappy life & you will feel regret it in the future.
Even if you don't know yet what your dream is, there's something you can do right now that will accelerate your dream materializing: give your best to whatever you're currently doing. Follow your bliss and follow it with all of your heart. Although you can't see the whole way ahead, your bliss is the thread that will lead you to all of your dreams.
"Take a job that you love. I think you are out of your mind if you keep taking jobs that you don't like because you think it will look good on your resume. Isn't that a little like saving up sex for your old age?" - Warren Buffett
Part Two - The Hero
To believe in yourself is perhaps the most powerful ability you have available to you. Your belief will carry you through every difficult situation or circumstance. If you don't believe in yourself today it just means that in your life you have accepted thoughts about yourself that other people put upon you and you believed them to be true. Remind yourself that you have incredibly powerful abilities and all you need to do is take one step at a time. People think you are a liar when you're visualizing your dreams because they think, that's not happening. That's not here. But it's absolutely here because if you can think about it. It can happen. There are always going to be both positive and negative experiences. But if you consistently look for the good and maintain a positive attitude you will triumph. If you have a burning desire for your dream, then you will have all the determination you need to make it a reality.
"Success is achieved twice. Once in the mind and the second time in the real world." - Azim Premji
Part Three - The Quest
Many people give up on their dreams or don't even begin to pursue them because from where they are standing they can't see the whole path of their dream. No successful person has ever known how his or her dream would happen. They simply believed that it would happen, and didn't give up until it had. Your dream will never end up being smaller than what you thought. It will only become greater, in ways you could never have imagined. Every obstacle or challenge you encounter on the Hero's journey transforms you as you acquire the strength of character and the qualities you need to overcome the challenge.
"Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great." - Mark Twain
Part Four - Victory
The ultimate reward for the success of your dream does not mark the end of the journey, but the beginning of another. Experiencing the rewards from realizing a dream is glorious, and every person who fulfills their dream deserves each and every one of those rewards. You can help others with your time or resources. At the end of the Hero's journey, you will discover that the eternal happiness you've been looking for is in the discovery of who you really are.
This book is very inspiring and motivating. This book tells us that nothing is impossible. The author uses quotes from others to inspire. All you need to believe in your instinct. I would highly recommend this book and it's worth your time and money.
If whatever you do help just one person, you've done something wonderful." - Blake Mycoskie
Read more here - https://www.bookscharming.com/
Finding Your Voice: A Path to Recovery for Survivors of Abuse by Mannette Morgan
5.0
This book helps to explore the origin of your pain, cravings, and the choices you made. When a person was abused, he or she starts believing that they earn it, or they do not deserve protection. This mindset cause hindrance towards the healing process. The author goes through the same struggle, she didn't even realize that her response caused her anxiety and disappointment, rather than peace.
The healing journey is never easy because it makes us perceive those times that we don't want to relive ever. It is not like ripping the bandage at once, it requires time and willingness to open ourselves for a pleasant future. This book will work as your therapist, to be honest. The author helps you in embracing yourself, and once you are done with this book, you will surely gain a new perspective and clarity in your life. I would highly recommend this book.
Read the detailed review here - https://www.bookscharming.com/2020/06/finding-your-voice-by-mannette-morgan.html
The healing journey is never easy because it makes us perceive those times that we don't want to relive ever. It is not like ripping the bandage at once, it requires time and willingness to open ourselves for a pleasant future. This book will work as your therapist, to be honest. The author helps you in embracing yourself, and once you are done with this book, you will surely gain a new perspective and clarity in your life. I would highly recommend this book.
Read the detailed review here - https://www.bookscharming.com/2020/06/finding-your-voice-by-mannette-morgan.html
Three Short Stories and a Burial by Arsch Sharma
4.0
Three Stories and a Burial is a second book written by Arsch Sharma. I pick a short story after a long time and I thought it would be the same as others, but the fabrications are not some general fiction, I read most of the time. The narration is quite distinct and interesting.
These stories make a reader ponder over the deep impression of society, religion, and sorrow. Arsch Sharma's writing is provocative, critical, and thought-provoking.
His work incorporated a wide range of subjects, and if you needed something offbeat to read, pick this book. I recommend it to readers who specialize in interpreting cogitative books and corresponding religious theories.
Read the full review here - https://www.bookscharming.com/2020/06/three-short-stories-and-a-burial-by-arsch-sharma.html
These stories make a reader ponder over the deep impression of society, religion, and sorrow. Arsch Sharma's writing is provocative, critical, and thought-provoking.
His work incorporated a wide range of subjects, and if you needed something offbeat to read, pick this book. I recommend it to readers who specialize in interpreting cogitative books and corresponding religious theories.
Read the full review here - https://www.bookscharming.com/2020/06/three-short-stories-and-a-burial-by-arsch-sharma.html
Facing the Mirror: Lesbian Writing from India by Ashwini Sukthankar
2.0
Facing the Mirror is the first book that is based on Indian lesbian experiences. It has more than ninety compositions in the form of verses, articles, short narratives. Ashwini Sukthankar edited and compiled them into a book. The tales don't have a particular theme, some are about the first crush, love, or sexual experiences. While some are about heartbreaks, confusion, and forced marriages.
I agreed that lesbians are facing issues, and we need to accept them and things are slowly progressing. It also provides them a platform to showcase their feelings that is commendable. This volume is a one time read, and I left the decision of reading it; or not to you.
Read the detailed review here -https://www.bookscharming.com/2020/06/book-review-facing-the-mirror-by-ashwini-sukthankar.html
I agreed that lesbians are facing issues, and we need to accept them and things are slowly progressing. It also provides them a platform to showcase their feelings that is commendable. This volume is a one time read, and I left the decision of reading it; or not to you.
Read the detailed review here -https://www.bookscharming.com/2020/06/book-review-facing-the-mirror-by-ashwini-sukthankar.html
Straight to Normal: My Life as a Gay Man by Sharif D. Rangnekar, Sharif D. Rangnekar
5.0
I absolutely loved this book, and I want all of my readers to read this book asap.
This is the first time when I read an autobiography of a gay man, and I admired every word. The author is the youngest child and very close to his mother. His father died when he was a kid and moved to Delhi with his family. When he was fifteen years old, he realizes that he is attracted to men. The story revolves around his acceptance, coming out, and try to live a guilt-free life. He describes his battle of losing loved ones, the shyness, and the breakups, the weight issues that made his family concerned.
Read the detailed review here - https://www.bookscharming.com/2020/06/book-review-straight-to-normal-by-sharif-d-rangnekar.html
This is the first time when I read an autobiography of a gay man, and I admired every word. The author is the youngest child and very close to his mother. His father died when he was a kid and moved to Delhi with his family. When he was fifteen years old, he realizes that he is attracted to men. The story revolves around his acceptance, coming out, and try to live a guilt-free life. He describes his battle of losing loved ones, the shyness, and the breakups, the weight issues that made his family concerned.
Read the detailed review here - https://www.bookscharming.com/2020/06/book-review-straight-to-normal-by-sharif-d-rangnekar.html
The Scent of God by Saikat Majumdar
2.0
The words are well balanced and describe a part which often ignored mostly. Some of the conversations are witty and thought-provoking, it is a slow-paced story. I like the starting and how the students were trying to find their place and identity, dealing with the norms of the education system, and customs, but the political part pulls me out of the story. The characters also felt dull and unable to establish a connection with the readers. The ends gave me chills, but overall, the book doesn't leave an impact on me.
Read the detailed review here - https://www.bookscharming.com/2020/06/book-review-the-scent-of-god-by-saikat-majumdar.html
Read the detailed review here - https://www.bookscharming.com/2020/06/book-review-the-scent-of-god-by-saikat-majumdar.html