ktrainofthoughts's Reviews (457)


What can I do to better my life? This question we always ask ourselves. We all have our unique self-actualization journey. This self-help guide is perfect for those on the path to being a better version of their selves. It contains the learnings and thoughts of famous writers in concise form like Brain Tracy, joseph murphy, etc., Overall, a helpful guide to enlighten your mind.

Gang wars, drug dealers, communal riots, and an urban legend hunt- “Wastra” by Rohan Kailasman is an electrifying crime thriller.
Set in South Bombay story starts with a murder of a drug addict. Shalini, an investigating journalist, finds out many dirty layers of this case that lead the plot set from the Iran-Iraq battlefield of the ’80s to the communal riots of Bombay in the ’90s.
The mystery element deepens with each chapter as the author brings in new players with surprising motives and background stories. I appreciate the authenticity of the plot. The smooth flow of writing makes this book easy to read. The author crafts an intricate book that keeps you on edge with numerous twists and turns, reveals, and plenty of thrills.

“She was in no mood to spend her time texting and calling people. She wanted some time alone, disconnected, where no one could reach her. Isn’t that what vacations were about in the first place?”

Before I review the book, I would like to appreciate Aditi Chandak’s beautiful work on her debut novel Under the crescent moon. After a long time, I read the book that took me on memory lane and make me emotional.

The book holds the story of Maera, Vikrant, and Nikhil. The story starts with an understandable friendship and moves on with light romance turned into emotional baggage of losing a loved one. The protagonist of the story is realistic and full of challenges and feelings. I love the way all three characters show the maturity to handle their emotions and went through a healing process.

Aditi has created an absorbing, emotional, and contemporary romance with characters the readers will relate to. The author knows how to breathe life into her character, so they seem like real-life character; she crafts each character patiently and give them a proper space to grow from their flaws and vulnerability. Maera’s Grandmother is an adorable and excellent addition to the cast. The book is more than a slice of romance, it explores true companionship, friendship, and empathy.

The plot is well-executed, which moves the story along. The narration is simple and author there are such events that build anticipation and backstories that lead to inner conflict.
If you are looking for a book with emotional authenticity, then this is a perfect read to pick. Looking forward to read more work of the author.

For an individual, teenage is a transition phase from childhood to adulthood. We often say teens are difficult to deal with. But we never try to identify the reason behind it. A teen goes through many physical, emotional, mental, and hormonal changes, trying to mask it with their rebellious act or faked active life. Behind their fake world, there is a lot of emotional and mental struggle.
“Sparked” by “Yashika Vahi” is a fascinating read aimed at teenagers and their challenges on their transition life journey. The author shares the stories of seven high school teenagers who are happy outside and struggling inside with their conflicts and pain. Their agony and challenges are heart aching.
This is a debut book of the Yashika, and I am impressed by how she introduces the complex and complicated thoughts that go on in young’s minds. The sensitive topic importance of mental health is smoothly blended with the plot. “Growing up can be tough, but your family and friends are there to help you out”: this phrase is beautifully explained in the read.
I recommend this book to every young adult reader.

A Crafty Cigarette is an engaging, character-driven, coming-of-age novel readers will cherish for a long time.
The journey of Matteo from a shy boy to a popular Mod is full of humor. It is a tale of Italian boy Matteo who is struggling to adjust in new country UK. The story is simple yet profound and makes you laugh till the last chapter. If you love smooth stories of overcoming challenges with a good sense of humor, this is a perfect read.

I prescribe love by Lavnya Krishnamurthy is a contemporary romance novel. It focused on a girl Shwetha who is determined to become a doctor.
Shwetha's journey will take the readers to the memory lane of college life. I feel her emotions when she feels butterflies in her stomach when she falls in love, her conversations and bonding with her friends, and then heartbreak. The heartbreak broke her, and she lost hope in life; however, something different was planned. To know more, grab your copy.
The story is easy to follow; I miss a bit of drama in the story as apart from romance, there are other elements also; family, love, and friendship. Though I like the plot because it has a college life setting, it is realistic and relatable. The writing style is lucid with great vocabulary.


"Accept yourself, love yourself, and keep moving forward. If you want to fly, you have to give up what weighs you down." ― Roy T. Bennett

When it comes to positive thinking, we often listen to one question of glass empty or half full. And the answer to this question directly relates to your outlook towards life. What exactly is positive thinking? We assume that it's ignoring the negative aspect of life. However, it means making the most of the potentially harmful situation and approaching life challenges positively.
The power of positive thinking by Norman Vincent Peale is a self-help that will talk about how to make a positive attitude towards life. The learnings are good, but I felt that it is more on the religious side. If you are the kind of person, who looks spiritual solution to your life troubles, then this is a pick for you.

Hai-Clue by Reijul Sachdev is a murder mystery novel that would appeal to most young adults who enjoy solving puzzles or hidden mysteries through clues.
The story starts when a boy named Suhel finds hung in a classroom. All think it’s a case of suicide. However, Sohum, an intelligent and nerdy boy, thought of different he believed there was a big conspiracy behind the death of Suhel. Suraj and Sohum, who can’t stand each other, came together to solve the mystery through the clues of the poetry journal of Suhel.

The book is easy to read, and the storyline flows smoothly with many additional interesting aspects like; performance competition between students, friendship, First crush, etc. I have to say that this book reminds me of my beautiful, sporty, and memorable school days. The author crafted the characters very well; I like the dedicated, logical thinking and competently handling the information and situations by Suraj and Sohum.

The narration is fast-paced, and the writing is clear and straightforward. I will recommend this book to all who love the exciting mystery with many clues.

What is the meaning of life? I think the answer will differ from person to person; for me, the meaning of life is ideals we impose upon. Life is full of good, joyous, sad, and exciting moments. "Thinking Out Loud" by "Tapan Ghosh" is a collection of 29 short stories that portray the mysteries and philosophy surrounding life.

The author ponders his thoughts on spirituality, religion, racism, violence, heinous crime like rape, murder, etc. I like how Tapan shares his views in an unbiased and straight manner.
Though it is a short book but will leave a deep impact on the reader's mind, the emotions shared in the stories are raw, and readers may feel uncomfortable after reading it. However, it opens readers' minds to many new perspectives of life. The writing style is straightforward but sufficiently emotive, and the narration is thoughtful and expresses his deep feelings beautifully.

Overall, it is a short and power-packed book recommended to all.


Once upon a time, there was a clear and conventional progression of couples to move through a relationship; they date, get engaged and get married. Over time, society evolved, so the traditional method of relationships also changed. If both partners are on board, there is no order and a fixed way to get committed to each other.

A marriage, an affair, and a friendship by Sabarna Roy is a contemporary fiction that reflects modern society's picture through the story of four characters, Rahul, Promita, Suroma, and Smaresh. The four decided to challenge the social norms for marriage, friendship, and affairs. Rahul and Promita, a married couple, portray the pros and cons of their choices in building a life together. Will the choices they make enhance or hurt their relationship.

Their story explores the inner vent of open marriage and true friendship. Wrapped with humor and amusing writing, Sabarna portrays the protagonists' profound emotions, behavior, and logic. All the characters feel realistic, making you think with their vivacious idiosyncrasies throughout the book. The story is told from different POV's first, second, and third person.

The topic discussed in the story is sensitive and will have many perceptions. However, the author handled the issue very well, without declaring any conclusion, and left the reader's mind in a state of thinking and pondering over many questions regarding lifestyle choices and, most importantly, the institution of marriage.

Overall, it is a short and thoughtful book. I am looking forward to reading more of his work.