jainandsdiary's Reviews (310)


Book: Love (Try) Angle
Author: Manali Desai
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Format: E-book
Pages: 204

Love (Try) Angle by Manali Desai is a contemporary romance fiction told through the characters of Ayesha, Viren, and Abhi. Ayesha is a student, who moved to Mumbai to pursue B.A. (Hons.) Political Science and got a friend in Viren, who is helping, understanding, and fun at times! But things change when she encounters Abhi, her college senior, as their rivalry blooms on the first day of college itself. And the equations became complicated when Viren joined the college as an Ad-Hoc lecturer. What will happen to them and as the title suggests, to their love triangle? To know more about them, read the book!

Written from the point of view of all three characters, each chapter starts with a thought or musing of the character from the perspective it is written, and we get to know the reason behind that thought through the course of that chapter.

The writing style of the author is very smooth and simple, letting the reader be immersed in it from the beginning. The Indian family drama and conversations between the characters are the highlights of this book.

The use of some Hindi words in between the conversations bloomed the effectiveness and meaning of the words and emotions they carry (the glossary is there for the ones who don't understand Hindi, so it's a win-win). The Bollywood songs references with some English songs as well were a delight whenever they came in between the story.

This was the first book I read by the author. And I remember reading it at a time when I was not feeling much good and it came as a source of comfort, for something where I can invest my time without letting my brain cells run to decode the story! And that's why even though the story was very simple and predictable for me, it soothed me.

I will recommend it to you if you are looking forward to reading a short, simple, and comfortable book.

Book - Highway to Swades: Rediscovering India's Superpowers
Author - Bhairavi Jani
Publisher: HarperCollins India
Genre - Non-Fiction (Travelogue)
Pages - 432

I am not much of a travelogue person, the reason being I have read only those which were in my syllabus till now, which almost killed my interest in this genre, but thankfully because there were few ones, which helped me to not give up hope. And so I am very particular about books when it belongs to this genre! So when I read about what Highway To Swades is about, I choose to give it a try, for being different from the typical travelogue books.

Highway To Swades: Rediscovering India's Superpowers by Bhairavi Jani is a book that explores and tries to find the answers to what being an Indian means, what it is that holds the people of this country together even when they are not so similar, and what it is that binds this country together after so many changes, through the journey of 18,891 km across the country in fifty-one days, and from her life altogether.

This book, being not a typical travel account came as a breath of fresh air for me. From the first few pages itself, the author takes the readers with her throughout her journey from the very start and shows what it is that makes us what we are. Written in easy language and engaging writing, the book was perfect for me as a beginner in this genre.

Although I felt it was a little slow at places, it never felt dragged or unwanted. From making points through stories and then coming to an answer, giving a "Call To Action" at the end, and making the reader travel to distinct places and people throughout the book, it was indeed a pleasure to read.

If you are someone who is looking forward to reading a book in this genre, you should go with it. I'll give it 4 out of 5 stars.

Kavita Kane was the author that I discovered in 2022 through Ahalya's Awakening, and it was one of my favourite reads of that year. And after I wanted to read more of her work, so comes The Fisher Queen’s Dynasty.

The Fisher Queen’s Dynasty is the story of Satyavati, a fisher girl recognized by many names – Kali, Matsyagandha, Yojnagandha, and Queen Dayesi. The woman who married King Shantanu of Hastinapur and won the throne for herself and her sons, the woman who is behind the terrible oath taken by Gangaputra which turned him into Bhishm. The woman who changed the lineage of the Kuru dynasty, the dynasty that ended in the bloody battle of Kurukshetra. But why? And how? What's her story? And this book explores these questions throughout its journey.

In Mahabharata, we got to know very little about her, but this story will revamp your understanding of Mahabharata and the causes behind the same. The sequence of events from the very birth of Satyavati to her end is well portrayed and equated. The character development of Satyavati and Bhishm, the growth in their relationship, and their emotions throughout the story are deftly balanced. Besides that, the character of Kripi also captivated me.

The writing style of the author is very appealing from the very start and she gracefully maintained it till the very end. Throughout this fictional tale, the author kept the reader engaged in the story and the characters.

If you are in mythological fiction, go for it without any second thought!

Thank you to the publisher for the book in exchange for an honest review!

Book: Everyday Revolution – Finding clarity, conviction, and joy with Feminism
Author: Amrita Purkayastha
Publisher: Notion Press
Genre: Non-fiction
Pages: 236

Everyday Revolution by Amrita Purkayastha is a book about what Feminism means in the current scenario. Based on the author’s experience with the research with hundred women who belong to different castes, classes, ages, history, and geography and have different experiences as well as her own, this book talks in detail about how there is a need for feminism in our day-to-day life. Covering the five themes- childhood, marriage, motherhood, beauty, and work throughout this book, this book gives food for thought and ideas to deal with the patriarchy!

The author has done a great job with the interviews and the research. Each chapter starts with some snippets from the interviews related to the chapter. After that, the author shares her experiences, views, and what the research says about the subject material and the issues, problems, and misconceptions around it and the solutions to deal with them. In the end, there are some prompts given to help the readers to understand themselves better and at the same time, be their best version. Before the prompts, most of the chapters have a story of someone who has to go through something that the chapter highlights, thus making the reader more empathetic to what is written there.

The author has done a great job with the issues that were raised, knowing the ground reality and concerns, this book talks in detail about them and how to deal with them. If you are someone who is looking forward to a book that talks about feminism in day-to-day life having minute details, you should check it out.

Book Review
Book: Bad Liars
Author: Vikrant Khanna
Publisher: Penguin India
Genre: Thriller
Pages: 216

Bad Liars by Vikrant Khanna is a thriller novel of around 200 pages. When the police find the dead body of a very famous fund manager, Anant Kapoor in the basement of his own house, his wife, Sanya being the direct beneficiary of his death and having no alibi as well, was the prime suspect. And so she was arrested by the police. But with time, when the case starts unfolding itself, here come two more suspects: Vikki, brother of Anant, and Mahesh, Anant’s friend. And here comes “One Murder, Three Liars”, the same being mentioned on the cover of the book. What will happen to them and what actually happened? To know more, read the book.

Because of the easy language and the size, I finished this book in less than a day. The book is divided into six parts and I liked how the author tried to give an unexpected turn to each part. When you think that the case is solved, something new emerges and keeps the story flowing, and gives you a chance to guess what happens next.

Although the book gives unexpected twists, I wished for more thrill there, which could make it more impactful, and wish for more of the character development. The police investigation could have been more insightful as well, on both the professional and personal front. I am someone who reads thrillers once in a while and prefers the Indian setting and so I had some expectations from the book, which were unfulfilled.

But if you are intrigued by the book’s description and want to read it, go ahead and check it out for yourself. I am looking forward to your opinions. I will give it 2/5 stars.

I was provided a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Book: The Circus Train
Author: Amita Parikh
Genre: Historical Fiction
Publisher: Sphere
Pages: 416

The Circus Train by Amita Parikh is a historical fiction written in the backdrop of World War II. Lena Papadopoulos, a daughter of the one of the finest illusionist Theo, at World of Wonders- a travelling circus that blurs the boundaries of the continent through its magic has a wheelchair as a constant companion, something that she had with her from her childhood. But there is a lot that will be uncovered and discovered in "The Circus Train", specially when a young French orphan, Alexandre, comes there infusion life and magic in the life of Lena! And to know more about them read the book.

As mentioned on the cover of the book - "Brought together by magic. Torn apart by war.", this book and the story lives this statement to the fullest. Being divided into three parts and covering the span of around two decades through 400 plus pages, this book covers so many themes, aspects, emotions, dilemmas, having unexpected turns till the end.

The book has such a detailed character development and at the same time, the fine balance with the plot that it stood out quite well. The relationship of the characters with each other was explored extensively, and I loved how Clara's and Harry's character was written and presented.

Although I admit that the book was a little slow at places but with being slow came the connectivity which I certainly always crave for and it got fulfilled here.

Navigating the themes, problems and life at that time through the protagonists, this book shows the human emotions to its core and accounts for a story that was remarkable and unforgettable! I would highly recommend this book, if you are reading this review, please consider reading the book as well. I am waiting to listen to your thoughts about this book. I'll give it 4.56/5.

The Hidden Hindu 3 by Akshat Gupta was one of the most anticipated reads for me, having read the first two parts in January this year, I was excited to see how the author is going to end this trilogy with this book. Being continued from where it ends in the second part, this book delves deeper into the life of the immortals and how Om is connected to them. Talking more about them would be a spoiler to those who haven't read the previous part, let me dig deeper directly into my views about this part.

I loved the way it was written, picking up the bits and pieces that were left earlier, and at the same time comes the emergence of new chaos and problems leading the story, which at various moments gives the unexpected turns.

There were various moments when I felt connected with the characters and the emotional dilemma they were in, especially about Parimal and LSD, and it was interesting to witness that connection in between all the things that were going on in the story.

This book serves what was expected out of it, of reaching conclusions and giving the answers to the questions that arose previously, maintaining enough suspense and thrill to wait for the last page.

Although the book has various predictable moments as well in it, and my favorite part of the series remains the first one, this book was a satisfying experience, which was much required and needed.

⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

Detailed review on Blog. Link

Book: I Hear You
Author: Nidhi Upadhyay
Genre: Psychological Thriller
Publisher: Penguin India
Pages: 288

I Hear You by Nidhi Upadhyay is a Psychological Thriller book based on the story of Mahika. Facing three miscarriages already, she was losing hope when she got Rudra, the world's first genetically altered foetus, all thanks to her husband, Shivam, who wanted a perfect creation. But the happiness of having Rudra was soon overshadowed because of the anonymous notes she was getting, letting her question her relationship with Shivam and his perfection. But before she could comprehend what was happening, she was locked in her own home, soon to realise that her unborn son has extraordinary qualities, and he could hear her. But is it enough to free Mahika from Shivam's cage? What will happen to them? To know the answer to these questions and what happens in the story, read the book.

As someone who reads thrillers once in a while, and that too a psychological thriller, I was so excited when I got it! Having heard a lot about the author because of her previous book, I wanted to see her writing and her work. So after receiving it, I started it as soon as possible. And from the first few pages itself, the author showed why she is so talked about.

From the very start to the end, the author has such a command over the plot, story, and suspense that you won't see a loose thread anywhere. And even near the last few pages of the book, where you assume you got the story, there is a twist. Also, the blend of scientific details in the story never felt burdened.

Although a part of the end was something that I guessed, the major chunk of it surprised me and the author deserves appreciation for keeping the story so gripping, uptight, and edgy.

The book was not much longer and I was expecting it to be finished in a day or two, but it took me around a week to finish it, for the sole reason that it made me immersed in it and I took it as slowly as life happened with the characters! Although there were a few instances with which I am skeptical, I am hoping to know the reasons for them in the next book, if it happens!

Overall, this book was all that I expected in a thriller, fast-paced, suspense build-up and its maintenance, unseen end, and gripping and engaging writing. If you are looking forward to reading a thriller, especially a psychological thriller, go for it.

I received the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This  was my first read by the author, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, an author who is much talked about, discussed, and read. In this short story where she talked about Zikora, she touched on a lot of themes in the very few pages, especially the relationship dynamics. There were plenty of quote-worthy lines in between which served as food for thought. The understanding and relationship of Zikora with her mother was something that stood out well for me.

Although I like the story and the themes it shows, I felt a lack of connectivity with the characters and felt the need for more with many of them. I felt a lack of connectivity with writing as well at times. But the writing shines at places and thus makes me intrigued to check more of the author’s work. I’ll give it 3.18/5 stars.

Book: Falling For French Kisses
Author: Elsie Woods
Genre: Romance
Format: E-book
Pages: 266

Falling for French Kisses by Elsie Woods is a romance book set in the city of love, Paris. The first paragraph in the book says, “France invented romance. They live what we only read about in books.” this was enough for a romance reader like me to pick it up as soon as possible. It is the story of Natalie, a field hockey enthusiast and fourth-generation resident of Sage Township, Texas, when entered the city of romance, she didn't know the language of that city, and although she worked at Bouchon Noir, the world-class restaurant, she doesn't know how to make espresso! And with espresso comes Olivier Dubois, her boss, an entitled French billionaire and culinary playboy as said by the media. And when she made a blunder in his restaurant, she has to pay up for it or cater to his crabby grandmother's every whim. And so when she decided to do the latter, she witness things that she haven't expected. What will happen when she meets her Grandmama? What will happen to them?
To know more about their stories, read the book.

The characters in this book were strong, and they have so much into them that while reading, you will be able to connect with them instantly. Oliver's dilemmas because of his family, Emilie's determination to make a mark of herself, and the moments when they both are together are a sight to see.

I love the character development in the book, and the way they were written, not only the main protagonist, but other characters such as Grandmama, Simone, and Sebastien, but I wanted to see more of them, the need to know everything about them never ends!

Also, there were so many moments in the book that I'll remember for days, especially of Natalie with her parents, her friend's group, and Oliver's Grandmama. There was so much between them, there was a connection because of culture, roots, and exploration, because of the friendship and comradeship, and because of the past!

Although I wish for the translation of the French sentences there in the book, I guess it was appropriate from Natalie's perspective as she was also as unaware of what was being said, as the readers.

I love the way this book was written, a book that is perfect for a cosy day, to be read in your comfort space when you are looking forward to a book that gives you positive vibes, marvelous characters, lots of fun, and course, the sweetness and comfort. I'll give it 4.16/5 stars.