ktrainofthoughts's Reviews (457)


Being social creatures, we all need a skill in how to deal with our surroundings. The subtle art of Dealing with People by Aruna Joshi is self-help read to know more about it.
I think skill with people is the essential ingredient of a happy life. We all are observers and learn many things from others. The author explains how to gain maximum benefits from around you. She gives tips on how one can healthily connect with others and how to be likable without trying.
The author makes each chapter easily understandable by sharing examples and stories related to them. The writing style is conversational, which makes this read easy. Overall, this is a short and good read with few examples and explanations, just with precise advice to deal with people.

Readers who get a thrill from Halloween movies and love to curl up with frightening books will get goosebumps after reading "Check-in and Check-out by Keran Pantth Joshi."
The book is a collection of stories with an irresistible appeal to horror fans with the backdrop of Villagio Hotel, Tasmania. The book divides into two parts: first, the haunting experience and incidents with guests, and, second, the murders which make that hotel haunted.
When I read the story "Room No. 39", I got a vibe of M.R. James' account of Room 13, how a particular room became haunted for guests.
This collection is a masterful creation of twists and turns, building suspense and taking you on a roller coaster ride of chilling thrill. Each story is written in a manner to give chills. I like the start of each chapter, Keran introduces each chapter with some eerie lines that make you intrigued and compelled to find out what is happening in the story.
For example: "What happens when you summon the dead to play with you? What if they never leave…what if the game is still on?" isn't this line giving you a spooky feeling?
The author does a fantastic job of exploring the darker side of things. Each story has a grip of its own and a perfect combination of paranormal and supernatural stories. These stories will give you the chills. Overall, this book has good world-building, frightening settings, and the author's gift for simple writing, which offers a chilling ride into the darkness.

The secret of learning is a good book for those who want to start their business, written by Amit Ahuja.
The book majorly has five parts:
1. The first part talks about the invention entrepreneurs of the 18th -19th century like Godrej, Tata, etc. Who invent the things to make human life easier
2. The second part mentions the exponential entrepreneurs of the 20th century like Mukesh Ambani.
3. The third part is about Innovative entrepreneurs of the 21st century who think beyond conventional business themes like Deepinder Goyal and Pankaj Chaddh – Zomato founders
4. The last 4 to 5 chapters discuss how to start working towards your business goal, preparing yourself for taking a risk and retaining success.
This is an informative read, but I feel it would be better if the process of entrepreneurship is elaborated in detail like business planning, communication, challenges in the market, cost strategies, etc., with examples. However, I appreciate the author’s attempt to inspire the young generation to move forward towards their dream projects.


“Why is it that we are devoid of identity from the very beginning of life?”
“IDENTITY” what is it? I find this word very complex. I think for me, Identity means the set of values I hold, which define my choices. An identity contains many roles: mother, sister, teacher, friend, and lover, and each role have different meaning and expectations that personalize into one’s Identity. I think Identity evolves as life goes on.
However, sometimes we, as a judgmental society, judge a person by their gender or sexual orientation. “Arundhati Sahoo” from her book “Identity” brings a story of two identities who are fighting against stereotypes.
It is a story of a Sane, a eunuch, and Sunny, a prostitute. The whole story is narrated as their thoughts towards society. Their thoughts are raw and make you think that, as a human being, one cannot have a right to live their life with respect. In between the thoughts and struggles of two individuals, I find a beautiful relationship between Sunny and Sam.
After a long time, I came across a book that would remain in my mind for a long time. “Identity” is definitely a thought-provoking read and highly recommended.

We read about many great wars in our history, and still, wars are continuing in the modern era in different parts of the world. Why battle takes place? There will be many reasons like political, competition over resources, and exploitation, etc.
The lost world Rises by Pranay Bhalerao is a story of the war for existence and within between right and wrong. This is the final installment of the series. In the last installment, Apoorav helps the tribe survive. Later, an announcement about his father Ramtirtha brings a conflict in the tribe. There are some new characters in this part, which opens up the many layers of suspense.
The story moves smoothly in two timelines with well-crafted action scenes, and the unexpected climax is the charm of the read. Pranay takes three threads, well-crafted characters, conflicts, and vivid action scenes and weaves a fascinating tapestry. A must-recommended novel to all.

Hello Fellas! The wait is over. Shweta Desai brings the second installment of her novel “Kaizen- the scattered family.” We read that Dr. Leah decided to step into the new world to save humanity in the last part.
As they say, once the things are decided can’t be resist, a ghost from the past rises again and turned the present upside down. In this part, Dr. Leah started her life in Harry’s world with her son, hoping for a good version of life this time. Will she be able to deal with the haunting past and continue to work towards saving humankind?
I was delighted to delve into the adventurous world once more with Shweta. Her writing style will leave room for your imagination. The characters come off as realistic, and you will feel genuine emotions for them. I am fascinated by Harry’s strong and decision-making nature.
Overall, I will recommend this book to every sci-fi lover and read the first part to follow the story better.

The book I am reviewing today is not just a non-fictional book or book with inspiring stories of many people; it is a book that will raise a question in every reader's mind, are they positive citizens of the country? Or just people who cringe over the things.
A citizen is a dominant pillar of the country. As responsible citizens, it's our responsibility to make our community a decent place to live. We don't need to do significant works; a small effort can make any nation a better place. "India positive citizen perspectives" by "Savitha Rao" is a book that will bring a change. Through the 52 stories, she inspires how small gestures like making an extra tiffin for someone can bring happiness in someone's life.
This is a book which you will enjoy thoroughly. I am fascinated by the author's risk of leaving her career to serve the country. The lucid writing style and energetic narration will stimulate readers' civic sense and actively motivate them to build a great nation. I will highly recommend the book to everyone.

Imagine you are waiting for your kid to come back after playtime, but they never came back. Your heart will skip the beat. The same happens with Steven when one day, her daughter does not return home.
The wrath of war by Tina Helmuth is a moving and herculean struggling journey of a father to save her daughter. I will keep the summary short so that I would not give away the spoilers.
This is a well-written book yet simple narrative book about complex situations. The story is so realistic you will feel the pain and anger of a father. When I read the book, I got the vibe of the “Taken” movie. I like the roller coaster ride with enough twists. Thriller lovers will cherish this book.

"The aim of every artist is to arrest motion, which is life, by artificial means and hold it fixed so that a hundred years later when a stranger looks at it, it moves again since it is life."- William Faulkner.
Are artists born or made? There is always this question raised when we talk about artists. I believe one can be born with natural creativity, but passion, training, devotion, and perseverance towards the chosen art are vital to becoming an Artist.
The Artists by Amit Anand is a story of three artists: Aarav, a pianist, Suhana, a Ballet dancer, and Manvita, a theater actor. All three artists met in a train journey and shared their struggle and passion for their respective art.
I love the way Anand narrates their immense love for their art passionately. As a debut novel, I must say I am impressed with the author's lucid and emotionally blended writing. This is a simple and relatable story; sometimes, the simplicity in stories makes the book interesting and entertaining, and Anand does just that through this book.


I am not a profoundly religious person, but I believe there is a power that looks after you. I respect all religions as there is one common thing in all religions: live life in the right way and respect other people.
Nectar of all world religions by Ishwar Joshi Awalgaonkar is a book that will enlighten you with its spiritual thoughts. The book title is why I picked this book, and I must say it didn’t disappoint me. I got a chance to know the eleven other religions and their essential spiritual verses. I am always fascinated by Buddhism, and verses mentioned in this book related to those religions are enlightening.
The author suggests that the readers read one verse each day and incorporate it into their life. It is like one step in a day. I will recommend this book to all who are on their spiritual journey.