bookschharming's reviews
478 reviews

The Boy by Nrupal Das

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3.0

The story is well written and engaging. The author creates suspense in starting, but it takes a religious turn in the end which I don't like. Overall it's a quick and fun read.

Read more here - https://www.bookscharming.com/2018/07/book-review-boy-by-nrupal-das.html
The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins

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4.0

In the words of Dean Koontz, every life is complicated, every mind a kingdom of unmapped mysteries. This quote is proper for the characters of Paula Hawkins's debut book The Girl on the Train. The plot twirls around three women Rachel, Megan, and Anna. They all have different lives, but one incident brings them together, the day when one of them goes missing.

Paula Hawkins's writing style is beautiful, and she holds the readers guessing about the culprit. In the middle of the book, I was sure I know the answers, but she proved me wrong by giving another mind-blowing twist.

The story is engaging, although, the characters are dysfunctional and not likable, so there is a chance that some readers will not enjoy reading it. But their journey and how it's all connected gives another kind of lift, and I want you to feel it. So, if you haven't read this book, pick it up. I recommend it.

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https://www.bookscharming.com/2020/07/book-review-girl-on-the-train-by-paula-hawkins.html
1984 by George Orwell

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4.0

George Orwell created a world where a tyrannical party of Oceania dictates the lives of everyone. No one ever meets his leader Big Brother, but he is omnipresent. Oceania was at war with Eastasia, and an ally of Eurasia, but the reality is changing every time. Smith Winston caught within truth and deception created by the party. He started to show the signs of betrayal and opposed the policies laid by Big Brother.

Oceania was founded upon hatred. There were no emotions except fear, rage, triumph, and self-abasement. They cut the links between child and parent; turned them against each other. In this system, no one trusts anyone; even the sex instinct was eradicated, and reproduction is acknowledged only as a duty towards the party.

One can show love only for Big Brother if you love someone else the Thought Police will arrest you, torture you, and in the end, kill you. The party members keep a close eye on everyone by telescreen and heard all the conversations, even at one's home. They destroy or manipulate every evidence if they feel it goes against their ideologies.

Knowing all of these, Winston falls in love with Julia and vice-versa. They start meeting often and share glimpses of their past. Winston always questioning about the time before Big Brother. All these put him in grave danger.

George Orwell portrays the post-atomic age, where one has lost freedom entirely; there is no curiosity left or enjoyment of any kind. It is all about Power. The brutality, abuses will give goosebumps. Even I feel lucky because of the freedom I have, or we all have. This story leaves a mark on your consciousness. So, whether you read Classics or dystopian fiction or not, you should read this book once in your life.

Read more here - https://www.bookscharming.com/
Indestructible: The Hidden Gifts of Trauma by Krista Nerestant

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5.0

Krista was his father's favorite child because she is submissive towards his doings. She thoughtfully narrates the anecdotes that created envy between the siblings and its after-effects throughout their lives. She played the role of mother, sister, and took care of siblings in every possible manner, but in doing so, she attracts a lot of negative and unwanted energy.

To relish a peaceful life, she chooses to let go of all the bitterness and anger she carries. From a young age, she took responsibilities and try to live up to her late mother's expectations. She keeps faith and being a life coach, and spiritual medium between the spirits and humans, she forged her path. Her debut book gives a ray of hope that one day everything will work out just fine. I enjoyed each chapter and felt bad that the book ends so soon. This book is for every non-fiction lover because you can learn a lot from it according to your intellectual state. I highly recommend it.

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https://www.bookscharming.com/2020/07/book-review-indestructible-by-krista-nerestant.html
Rich Dad Poor Dad: What the Rich Teach Their Kids About Money That the Poor and Middle Class Do Not! by Robert T. Kiyosaki

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5.0

This book is a gem. It gives you simple explanations of how money works. It will not give you any trading tips, but it helps you understand the things no one teaches us in the school or at home. The financial insights aid you to take action, and be your boss. Many people don't like this book, but I think every novel is different and written by diverse authors who have distinct experience makes it more interesting to read. Whether you're an experienced financer or a newbie, this book is perfect for you. I highly recommend it.

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https://www.bookscharming.com/2020/07/rich-dad-poor-dad-book-review.html
That Thing About You by Abhaidev

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5.0

That Thing About You is a debut book written by Mayank Chandna (pen name Abhaidev). The cover page gives an idea about a romantic story, but it is more of a soul searching where characters are merely pawns.

Abhaidev successfully creates suspense in the story which hooked the reader to the end. The language is easily understandable, and narration is smooth. The typical Indian parents and their wish to saw their son married are mentioned very well. The story revolves around Subodh, so the other characters didn't get much space. Overall, the story is gripping and recommendable. It's a perfect blend of destiny and coincidences.

Read more here - https://www.bookscharming.com/2019/07/book-review-that-thing-about-you-by.html
The Immortals of Meluha by Amish Tripathi, Amish Tripathi

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4.0

The story is a perfect blend of modern-day technologies and the Hindu mythological legends. Every character is described well and in an informative manner. Whether it is a war sequence or a simple conversation, Amish's writing hooked the readers, but I feel there is a lack of suspense. The narrations are explicit as well as the language. In his debut book, Amish Tripathi creates a world of fantasy which includes topics like corruption, caste system, unnecessary laws, and enters directly into the heart of the readers. I definitely recommend this book, if you're a mythological fan, don't miss out this book.

Read more about this book here - https://www.bookscharming.com/2019/06/book-review-immortals-of-meluha-shiva.html
The Final Weekend: A Stoned Tale by Neal Cassidy

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2.0

The story is fast-paced and unusual. I like the narration but didn't like the depiction of genders. The characters are highly unlikeable, and I don't think if anyone can connect with them. Their whole objective is to get drunk and laid, and at some points, it feels way too much. The last two chapters were intriguing, and I wished that the whole story was like that, but it is not.

For me, this book didn't work. I think that the author stretches the story too much, and it lost its purpose amid sexist characters. It lacks twists and turns and a meaningful end. But I admire Neal Cassidy's efforts in writing such a bold and raw story depicting American youth unfiltered. It is written for a certain age and people for sure. Pick this book only if you're into satire, dark comedy, and erotic works.

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https://www.bookscharming.com/2020/07/the-final-weekend-by-neal-cassidy.html
Silent Screams by Zachary Ryan

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4.0

Another book from Zachary Ryan based on high school drama, but unlike his previous trilogy The High School Queens, this book offers a lot more than the juicy show. The group of five friends torn apart; when one of them kills ten people in the school. The story revolves around the remaining four friends' struggles to deal with their new reality.

I personally like the author's writing style. He makes the book fast-paced and enjoyable. I do find some grammatical errors in this one, and I hope not to see it in his other books. The language is lucid, and if you're into high school books where characters deal with bullies, fake images, blackmailing, hiding their true selves, then this YA book is ideal for you. I recommend it.

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https://www.bookscharming.com/2020/08/silent-screams-by-zachary-ryan.html
The Secrets to Living a Fantastic Life: Two Survivors Reveal the 13 Golden Pearls They've Discovered by Allen Lycka, Harriet Tinka

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3.0

Read the detailed review here - https://www.bookscharming.com/2020/08/secrets-to-living-a-fantastic-life-book-review.html

Everyone wants to commence a fabulous life, but only a few will succeed. Dr. Allen Lycka and Harriet Tinka helped us to understand how we can live a worthy life. We all envy others' destiny once in a while without knowing their hardships. They both come from different cultural backgrounds, they faced different obstacles, but they have one thing in common; their courage and never give up attitude.

The book has thirteen lessons, which are called Golden Pearls by the authors. They are Love, Inspiration, Victory, Vulnerability, Intention, Non-Negotiables, Forgiveness, Attitude, Thankfulness, Tenacity, Laughter, Enthusiasm, and Empowerment. All these chapters are described by using anecdotes and then continued with the authors' conversations. The book is filled with encouraging quotes from highly known personalities, some of them were by the authors as well. Overall, it is a fast-paced and promising novel. I recommend it.