Take a photo of a barcode or cover
jainandsdiary's Reviews (310)
The Enclave by Rohit Manchanda is the story of Maya - who is in her early forties and enjoying her job in the city of dreams Bombay which is now her home, and lately divorced, yet exploring the dynamics of the relationships. Set in the late 2000s, the novel shows the changing dynamics of the economy and the nation through Maya, who finds herself at some unsettling crossroads, where she needs to find a way for herself beyond her anger, grief and past!
The story very smoothly encapsulates the changing nature of the city and the country with the story of Maya and raises questions about the progress which we often cite but ignore to delve deeper into. The people surrounding Maya capture the essence of middle-class families and associations very well - at the workplace, society, and surroundings amongst the partners, children, partners, co-workers and neighbors. The character of Reeta G very authentically captures the typical nature of a nosy neighbor who always taps into the weak nerves of the people.
Though the story sets a captivating premise and looks promising, I was not able to connect with the characters emotionally, maybe more so because of the writing. The writing though lyrical, hinders the flow of the story and I found myself skipping some parts of it, which is rare for someone like me who reads word by word. In the end, what's all that was left for me were themes and descriptions of the places and things, but not the story or the characters, and thus, this one was a disappointing read for me. A ⭐⭐/5 for me.
The story very smoothly encapsulates the changing nature of the city and the country with the story of Maya and raises questions about the progress which we often cite but ignore to delve deeper into. The people surrounding Maya capture the essence of middle-class families and associations very well - at the workplace, society, and surroundings amongst the partners, children, partners, co-workers and neighbors. The character of Reeta G very authentically captures the typical nature of a nosy neighbor who always taps into the weak nerves of the people.
Though the story sets a captivating premise and looks promising, I was not able to connect with the characters emotionally, maybe more so because of the writing. The writing though lyrical, hinders the flow of the story and I found myself skipping some parts of it, which is rare for someone like me who reads word by word. In the end, what's all that was left for me were themes and descriptions of the places and things, but not the story or the characters, and thus, this one was a disappointing read for me. A ⭐⭐/5 for me.
Hotel Arcadia by Sunny Singh is a Crime Thriller/Suspense book that is set in Hotel Arcadia during a terrorist attack. It is the story of Sam - a famous war photographer, known for hauntingly beautiful pictures of the dead and Abhi - the hotel manager, who never wanted to be a hero and just wants to avoid the disappointment of her father and brother, who are stuck among some gun-wielding terrorists. What will happen when they are forced to work together, to not only save their own life but of Billy, a five-year-old as well who is found alive under the bodies of his parents, because if they make it out alive, they would never be the same?
The story was very well crafted and with the gradual character development, the reader could understand the intensity of the actions outside the rooms more intensely. The cautious connection build-up between Sam and Abhi was a delight to read and made the readers more invested in their journey. The nuisances of the profession of Sam as a war photographer were gruesome to read at times, reflecting the master storytelling of Singh, though it left some cravings for more personal stories of the childhood of Sam, which in contrast was thoroughly covered for Abhi, making it more intimate and empirical.
Being a reader who prefers knowing the nuisances of protagonists' personalities and every detail of their actions and the psychology behind it, there comes a bias where I prefer not reading much about the surroundings and minor objects as the majority experience has led the details to nowhere, lacking the connection between them and the protagonist, and thus makes it mundane for me. Until this book. Singh very effortlessly interlined the surrounding objects and otherwise to the protagonists' journey, which gave a whole new dimension to their personalities. And something that I thoroughly enjoyed after a long time.
Overall, it was a very engaging read from beginning to end (especially some last chapters) which shows the psyche of people facing the repercussions of terrorism directly without getting into the political narratives, its roots and causal factors, surprisingly, thus making it more personal and humane. I will give it 4/5 stars.
The story was very well crafted and with the gradual character development, the reader could understand the intensity of the actions outside the rooms more intensely. The cautious connection build-up between Sam and Abhi was a delight to read and made the readers more invested in their journey. The nuisances of the profession of Sam as a war photographer were gruesome to read at times, reflecting the master storytelling of Singh, though it left some cravings for more personal stories of the childhood of Sam, which in contrast was thoroughly covered for Abhi, making it more intimate and empirical.
Being a reader who prefers knowing the nuisances of protagonists' personalities and every detail of their actions and the psychology behind it, there comes a bias where I prefer not reading much about the surroundings and minor objects as the majority experience has led the details to nowhere, lacking the connection between them and the protagonist, and thus makes it mundane for me. Until this book. Singh very effortlessly interlined the surrounding objects and otherwise to the protagonists' journey, which gave a whole new dimension to their personalities. And something that I thoroughly enjoyed after a long time.
Overall, it was a very engaging read from beginning to end (especially some last chapters) which shows the psyche of people facing the repercussions of terrorism directly without getting into the political narratives, its roots and causal factors, surprisingly, thus making it more personal and humane. I will give it 4/5 stars.
Remember Me As Yours by Novoneel Chakraborty is the story of two girls, Nityami Thakur and Falak Sultana. Though both come from diagonally opposite backgrounds, what unites them is a trip to Sikkim in the quest for calmness among chaos, again for different reasons.
The author taps into multiple serious issues and themes of our society concerning women through the characters - toxic relationships, uncaring parents, abuse, trauma, sexual assault and violence, independence, and the fight for education and career among a few others. With the easy language and length, the book could be easily finished in a day or two.
The relationship of Nityami with Hemant, and Falak and Razia stood out well for me, and the parent-child relationship for both the protagonists was shown well.
The book is presented as a Romantic Comedy, but it neither feels fulfilling as romance nor comedy (at all). And though the story taps into many themes and issues that persist in today's time, the way they were incorporated into the story feels underwhelming and disappointing. It would not be an exaggeration to say that this is a classic example of how women should not be written by men.
Overall, the story didn't work for me and I felt that though the themes are very much relevant, they were mishandled in the story. It was ⭐⭐/5 for me.
The author taps into multiple serious issues and themes of our society concerning women through the characters - toxic relationships, uncaring parents, abuse, trauma, sexual assault and violence, independence, and the fight for education and career among a few others. With the easy language and length, the book could be easily finished in a day or two.
The relationship of Nityami with Hemant, and Falak and Razia stood out well for me, and the parent-child relationship for both the protagonists was shown well.
The book is presented as a Romantic Comedy, but it neither feels fulfilling as romance nor comedy (at all). And though the story taps into many themes and issues that persist in today's time, the way they were incorporated into the story feels underwhelming and disappointing. It would not be an exaggeration to say that this is a classic example of how women should not be written by men.
Overall, the story didn't work for me and I felt that though the themes are very much relevant, they were mishandled in the story. It was ⭐⭐/5 for me.
The Avatar's Jewel, the first part of the duology by Namasvi NK Bandarupalli is a Contemporary Indian Mythological Fantasy that blends the elements of both the contemporary and mythological world into it. When the Nagas of the Nether Realm began the process of Naga Yagna, it took all the realms by surprise. Parallelly, Rudra, an orphan finds himself at the doors of a secret orphanage in the Himalayas. Seven years later, Rudra gets an invitation to join the Ishwara Gurukula of Arts and Military, an institute that's been established by Lord Parashurama
The story is the reflection of the deep research by the author in the field of politics, Hindu religion and history of the subcontinent with the addition of the contemporary details including the shift in education and administrative system, and moving towards one's roots and wisdom.
The first quarter of the book is deeply engaging and the author very efficiently navigates between the tussle of the three realms and their rivalry- from the ancient time to the recent perception with the Naga Yagna. The process of climate change and its consequences is very well interlinked with the same.
But as the story progresses, the scenario completely changes with the admission of new students, with a special focus on Rudra and his life in the orphanage and the journey towards the Gurukula. And with it, the pace of the story slows down significantly. The story needed more editing as the lack of it hindered the reading experience significantly. Though the ending keeps the readers waiting on the edge for the next part, the journey to reach that end feels underwhelming.
Overall, as a debut book, the story had an interesting concept and it becomes very significant with the current scenario, it has a lot to ride on in the next part of the duology, which is much awaited.
The story is the reflection of the deep research by the author in the field of politics, Hindu religion and history of the subcontinent with the addition of the contemporary details including the shift in education and administrative system, and moving towards one's roots and wisdom.
The first quarter of the book is deeply engaging and the author very efficiently navigates between the tussle of the three realms and their rivalry- from the ancient time to the recent perception with the Naga Yagna. The process of climate change and its consequences is very well interlinked with the same.
But as the story progresses, the scenario completely changes with the admission of new students, with a special focus on Rudra and his life in the orphanage and the journey towards the Gurukula. And with it, the pace of the story slows down significantly. The story needed more editing as the lack of it hindered the reading experience significantly. Though the ending keeps the readers waiting on the edge for the next part, the journey to reach that end feels underwhelming.
Overall, as a debut book, the story had an interesting concept and it becomes very significant with the current scenario, it has a lot to ride on in the next part of the duology, which is much awaited.
Wuhan: Not Quite A Love Story by author Razi is a Science Fiction that delves into the theory of the origin of the COVID virus - a lab-made disaster or a natural calamity - through the protagonists - Celina Chan, a Harvard molecular biologist, who is approached by Seeker, a member of the D.R.A.S.T.I.C. which is a group of the concerned citizens of the world who believe that the virus is lab manufactured, to look into the details of it. As the stakes rise, they are joined by an FBI field agent - Victor Kujur. And thus begins the journey of violence, conspiracies, scientific discoveries, and intermingling in international politics! Read the book to know more.
The author very efficiently used the conspiracy theory around the virus and acknowledged the same in the story, which made it much more interesting. With the vivid imagination, easy writing and captivating plot, the author hooked me from the very start and it didn't take me much to finish it.
The scientific explanation is presented in detail, which gives the story a big backing, and makes it interesting. Though I would not expect any less, I felt the scientific details of the genetics were too much at some points.
The character of Seeker was very relatable at moments and gave some delightful moments in the story, especially with the multiple Avengers references. The trio of Celina, Seeker and Victor were iconic. But at the same time, I felt that there was a need for more details and character development in major instances, which was overlooked in the name of secrecy. Also, the story was predictable and the irony of the story lies in the title itself, the less I say about it the better (for the sake of spoilers, IYKYK!).
Overall, it was an interesting and captivating story, which kept me hooked till the end. I'll give it ⭐⭐⭐/5 stars.
The author very efficiently used the conspiracy theory around the virus and acknowledged the same in the story, which made it much more interesting. With the vivid imagination, easy writing and captivating plot, the author hooked me from the very start and it didn't take me much to finish it.
The scientific explanation is presented in detail, which gives the story a big backing, and makes it interesting. Though I would not expect any less, I felt the scientific details of the genetics were too much at some points.
The character of Seeker was very relatable at moments and gave some delightful moments in the story, especially with the multiple Avengers references. The trio of Celina, Seeker and Victor were iconic. But at the same time, I felt that there was a need for more details and character development in major instances, which was overlooked in the name of secrecy. Also, the story was predictable and the irony of the story lies in the title itself, the less I say about it the better (for the sake of spoilers, IYKYK!).
Overall, it was an interesting and captivating story, which kept me hooked till the end. I'll give it ⭐⭐⭐/5 stars.
When two friends are separated from each other for four years and are trying to keep their friendship going with the messages and calls, it becomes overwhelming at times and the essence of it might start to fade away. And thus, it's important to keep the essence of it alive, by keeping the thread of it intact.
The Getaway List by Emma Lord just provides for the same. It is the story of Riley and Tom, who were once stuck like glue. But when Tom left for New York with her mother and Riley got stuck in multiple works, their dream of meeting and doing things together almost became a distant dream. And the dreams manifested in the form of The Getaway List, which is a list of all the activities they were supposed to be doing together. And thus, just after finishing her graduation, Riley finds herself with her bag and moving toward New York for the summer! But would this trip and The Getaway List lead them to their dreams and friendship again? Read the book to find out.
The book's real essence lies in the conversations and self-realization. When the journey of self-discovery gets interlinked with the journey of ticking out the things from the getaway list, it not only gets more real, raw and vulnerable but gives the way to the honest self, where one gets to find their tribe - the tribe not only of the bunch of friends who are always there but to the tribe of dreams, reality and a present that learns to deal with the past.
At a time when one can see so many romances with protagonists in the late 20s and early 30s with some shitty choices and miscommunications, the 18-year-olds here felt overwhelmed at times, with their choices and decisions, good communications, insecurities, self-doubts, realizations and their relationships with their partners, friends and family.
The friendship of the characters in this book was an absolute delight to read and it is going to stay with me for a long time. I am a sucker for good friendships in books, and this one provides a bunch of people who are so different from each other, and yet when they come together creates the magic of friendship.
The relationship of both the protagonists with their mother is so contradictory and yet confusing, and the way they both find their ways to make amendments and deal with it is a delight.
Overall, I enjoyed reading this book and if you are someone who is looking forward to reading a book that brings out the magic of coming together and finding oneself again with the help of the people around you, this one is for you.
The Getaway List by Emma Lord just provides for the same. It is the story of Riley and Tom, who were once stuck like glue. But when Tom left for New York with her mother and Riley got stuck in multiple works, their dream of meeting and doing things together almost became a distant dream. And the dreams manifested in the form of The Getaway List, which is a list of all the activities they were supposed to be doing together. And thus, just after finishing her graduation, Riley finds herself with her bag and moving toward New York for the summer! But would this trip and The Getaway List lead them to their dreams and friendship again? Read the book to find out.
The book's real essence lies in the conversations and self-realization. When the journey of self-discovery gets interlinked with the journey of ticking out the things from the getaway list, it not only gets more real, raw and vulnerable but gives the way to the honest self, where one gets to find their tribe - the tribe not only of the bunch of friends who are always there but to the tribe of dreams, reality and a present that learns to deal with the past.
At a time when one can see so many romances with protagonists in the late 20s and early 30s with some shitty choices and miscommunications, the 18-year-olds here felt overwhelmed at times, with their choices and decisions, good communications, insecurities, self-doubts, realizations and their relationships with their partners, friends and family.
The friendship of the characters in this book was an absolute delight to read and it is going to stay with me for a long time. I am a sucker for good friendships in books, and this one provides a bunch of people who are so different from each other, and yet when they come together creates the magic of friendship.
The relationship of both the protagonists with their mother is so contradictory and yet confusing, and the way they both find their ways to make amendments and deal with it is a delight.
Overall, I enjoyed reading this book and if you are someone who is looking forward to reading a book that brings out the magic of coming together and finding oneself again with the help of the people around you, this one is for you.