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ktrainofthoughts's Reviews (457)
A strong, irresistible hero, a beautiful and confident girl, emotional tension, believable plot, and happy-ever ending, these five ingredients make a perfect romance book recipe.
“Scorpio Superstar” by “Sundari Venkatraman” is the first book of the “written in the stars” series.
The book follows the story of 29 years old Chandrakanth aka, CK, a Kollywood superstar. He has a super fan following; Tamil Nadu people see him as a Demi-God. (a glimpse of Rajnikanth came into my mind).
Ranjini is an engineer and a social media handler of CK. They both never interacted until CK fell for her at first sight and asked her to marry. He asked, she said Yes! and they both get hitched for life. Wait! Wait! The story does not end here; the story begins from here. Their chemistry and attraction are the basis of their marriage. Is it enough to stay together for life?
“Scorpio Superstar” has everything readers would look into a romance novel- love, drama, conspiracy, and a tinge of humor.
Sundari mam’s writing is as irresistible and straightforward as the chemistry scenes between characters she describes with beautiful plot-driven dialogues.
I love how the author blends Zodiac signs' traits in the story. I love the realistic storyline and excellent character development. CK will melt the readers’ hearts with his loyal and loving persona. Like every book of the Sundari Mam, the female protagonist is strong, independent, confident, and stands for her values.
The author always adds elements and incidents that reflect social norms' conflicts. For instance: Sidelining of Women’s career, complaints about the girls' dusky complexion, etc.
Overall, this is a fast-paced book with the perfect balance of romance, drama, and entertainment. I am eagerly waiting to read the next installment of the series. It is highly recommended to the readers who enjoy reading relaxing and satisfying romance.
“Scorpio Superstar” by “Sundari Venkatraman” is the first book of the “written in the stars” series.
The book follows the story of 29 years old Chandrakanth aka, CK, a Kollywood superstar. He has a super fan following; Tamil Nadu people see him as a Demi-God. (a glimpse of Rajnikanth came into my mind).
Ranjini is an engineer and a social media handler of CK. They both never interacted until CK fell for her at first sight and asked her to marry. He asked, she said Yes! and they both get hitched for life. Wait! Wait! The story does not end here; the story begins from here. Their chemistry and attraction are the basis of their marriage. Is it enough to stay together for life?
“Scorpio Superstar” has everything readers would look into a romance novel- love, drama, conspiracy, and a tinge of humor.
Sundari mam’s writing is as irresistible and straightforward as the chemistry scenes between characters she describes with beautiful plot-driven dialogues.
I love how the author blends Zodiac signs' traits in the story. I love the realistic storyline and excellent character development. CK will melt the readers’ hearts with his loyal and loving persona. Like every book of the Sundari Mam, the female protagonist is strong, independent, confident, and stands for her values.
The author always adds elements and incidents that reflect social norms' conflicts. For instance: Sidelining of Women’s career, complaints about the girls' dusky complexion, etc.
Overall, this is a fast-paced book with the perfect balance of romance, drama, and entertainment. I am eagerly waiting to read the next installment of the series. It is highly recommended to the readers who enjoy reading relaxing and satisfying romance.
Sabu by Debleena Majumdar is a heartfelt tribute to the long-forgotten legendary star “Sabu Dastagir.”
Being an early millennial kid, I had exciting memories of Friday nights when Doordarshan telecast the movies. One fine Friday, I was more excited than other Fridays because the famous “Jungle Book”(non-animated) was going to be telecast on that day. That day, I learned that the main lead, “Mowgli,” was an Indian boy, “Sabu Dastagir,” who made his mark on Hollywood word.
I am thankful to Debleena for writing a well-researched book on the courageous life of Sabu. This book will take you to the challenging life of “Sabu,” where he got orphaned in early childhood and worked as a stable keeper in Mysore palace. The author describes Sabu’s journey in chronological order, making the book realistic.
I feel inspired by Sabu’s journey from an unknown boy from India to a Universally recognized celebrity in the classic movies “Elephant boy,” “Jungle Book,” and “Thief of Baghdad.” His natural charm, hunger to learn new things, and sincerity made him a most prominent actor in Hollywood, and his movies indeed took viewers to an exotic fantasy world.
Sabu’s life journey is indeed an inspiration for all. The interactive and straightforward writing style makes this book smooth and fast-paced. The author has done a great job compiling Sabu’s life in a beautiful book.
The beautiful picture in each chapter makes the book more engaging and entertaining. I am glad that I picked this book, and I learned a lot about the great actor’s life.
This is a short and well-researched book full of inspiring stories of Sabu’s life and holds life lessons for readers. I would recommend this excellent book to all.
Being an early millennial kid, I had exciting memories of Friday nights when Doordarshan telecast the movies. One fine Friday, I was more excited than other Fridays because the famous “Jungle Book”(non-animated) was going to be telecast on that day. That day, I learned that the main lead, “Mowgli,” was an Indian boy, “Sabu Dastagir,” who made his mark on Hollywood word.
I am thankful to Debleena for writing a well-researched book on the courageous life of Sabu. This book will take you to the challenging life of “Sabu,” where he got orphaned in early childhood and worked as a stable keeper in Mysore palace. The author describes Sabu’s journey in chronological order, making the book realistic.
I feel inspired by Sabu’s journey from an unknown boy from India to a Universally recognized celebrity in the classic movies “Elephant boy,” “Jungle Book,” and “Thief of Baghdad.” His natural charm, hunger to learn new things, and sincerity made him a most prominent actor in Hollywood, and his movies indeed took viewers to an exotic fantasy world.
Sabu’s life journey is indeed an inspiration for all. The interactive and straightforward writing style makes this book smooth and fast-paced. The author has done a great job compiling Sabu’s life in a beautiful book.
The beautiful picture in each chapter makes the book more engaging and entertaining. I am glad that I picked this book, and I learned a lot about the great actor’s life.
This is a short and well-researched book full of inspiring stories of Sabu’s life and holds life lessons for readers. I would recommend this excellent book to all.
I love reading War historical fiction, which transports me to different eras and locations and teaches me various perspectives about the war. My love for war stories started when I was a kid, and my neighbor's uncle used to tell his stories of war. And I was astonished to know the hidden stories of love, friendship, and little joys under the heart-shattering and terrifying war period.
Suyog Ketkar, through his book "The Dogfight and the Lone Peacemaker," weaved a fascinating story of bravery and survival with a tinge of love amid the chaos of the most devastating war in history. I got excited when I read the first two pages as it mentioned that the book is inspired by the real-life story of the author's grandparents.
Story:
The story follows the protagonist Vasant Kale a brave, responsible, and full of patriotism wing commander of the Indian Air force. He was disturbed by the unnatural death of soldiers, the unexpected death of his friend.
One fine day his Hawker Hurricane "Blackbird" got attacked by German Arado aircraft during a training session in the IAF, Agra. He was keen to know the reason behind the unexpected air dogfight. In the meantime, he got captured by the enemies. It's a part of the well-executed plan to become a lone peacemaker and try to find enemies and destroy them. After reading Vasant's unconditional love for the nation and responsibility towards his institute, I got overwhelmed.
Vasant will renew your belief in love at first sight in another timeline. If you ever felt a connection with someone just in eye contact, you will understand the depth of Vasant and Shakuntala's feelings.
My Musings:
I thoroughly love the astonishing story of Vasant Kale, and I think the preface was interesting as it set the tone for a fascinating story.
I must say Suyog is a master of storytelling, as readers will get a vivid picture of people's lifestyles, events, and thoughts during World War II. The inclusion of historical figures like Savarkar and Hitler in the story authenticated the plot and immersed the readers into the setting and plot.
I enjoyed the sharing of thoughts and feelings of the characters and found each character, along with the protagonists, well-crafted. I loved Shakuntala's character; she is a strong, beautiful girl with a great perspective.
Overall, "The Dogfight and the Lone Peacemaker" is a delightful read, and I will recommend this book to all historical fiction readers.
An Unusual Honeymoon is a chick-lit story by Mamta Kashyap. Mahasweta
The book follows a story of a confident and ambitious businesswoman Mahashweta. She is excited to start a new phase of life with his longtime boyfriend, Akshay. But just before the wedding day, Akshay dumped her and ran away with her best friend, Ruth. Feeling dejected with her life, she decides to go on honeymoon alone, which is already booked in Sikkim at “Cowboy Inn.”
She has a hidden agenda behind going on that honeymoon alone. However, this trip brings a new turn to her life, full of adventure and drama. What is in Mahashweta”s mind? And how “Cowboy Inn” shook her world?
An unusual honeymoon is a short and funny book that will amuse the readers with lighthearted romance. I love all the characters in the book, and my heart goes with her Nani’s. I love her character and get a glimpse of my future (lol).
I loved the complete Bollywood drama theme of the book, with a strong message between the funny lines. Stepping out from a comfort zone and facing all odds is challenging to a girl, mainly who belonged to Indian society. Mahasweta is indeed a sass, sharp and confident girl who challenges social norms in the story.
Though the book is full of rib-tickling humor, Mamta cleverly blends social issues like fat-shaming, fear of disturbing childhood, etc. the author has created a good book with great character and a plot that will give satisfaction after closing the book.
Overall, if you are a fan of a rom-com book full of drama, I will definitely recommend this book.
The book follows a story of a confident and ambitious businesswoman Mahashweta. She is excited to start a new phase of life with his longtime boyfriend, Akshay. But just before the wedding day, Akshay dumped her and ran away with her best friend, Ruth. Feeling dejected with her life, she decides to go on honeymoon alone, which is already booked in Sikkim at “Cowboy Inn.”
She has a hidden agenda behind going on that honeymoon alone. However, this trip brings a new turn to her life, full of adventure and drama. What is in Mahashweta”s mind? And how “Cowboy Inn” shook her world?
An unusual honeymoon is a short and funny book that will amuse the readers with lighthearted romance. I love all the characters in the book, and my heart goes with her Nani’s. I love her character and get a glimpse of my future (lol).
I loved the complete Bollywood drama theme of the book, with a strong message between the funny lines. Stepping out from a comfort zone and facing all odds is challenging to a girl, mainly who belonged to Indian society. Mahasweta is indeed a sass, sharp and confident girl who challenges social norms in the story.
Though the book is full of rib-tickling humor, Mamta cleverly blends social issues like fat-shaming, fear of disturbing childhood, etc. the author has created a good book with great character and a plot that will give satisfaction after closing the book.
Overall, if you are a fan of a rom-com book full of drama, I will definitely recommend this book.
Do you ever feel like you are time traveling to the era of origin of your favorite place?
Through her book Tabula Rasa, Jayanthi Shankar will take you to the journey where you will learn the history of Singapore: its name and origin, its struggle and how it became a worthwhile and safest city to live in the modern era.
You will read the story of Muthu, who is in search of his roots in a new land in Singapore. His journey was stressful while encountering his relatives there; however, he finally finds solace in the love of Priya. There are other stories of many characters that shed light on Singapore culture’s different dimensions and its development.
I find how amazingly Jayanthi well researched the social, cultural, psychological, and mental changes of Singapore and its people. I like how the author portrays the different mental states of characters, from kings to migrant workers. The mentions of personal mails and stick note conversation give the personal reader touch.
Overall, it is well researched historical fiction to know more about Singapore.
Through her book Tabula Rasa, Jayanthi Shankar will take you to the journey where you will learn the history of Singapore: its name and origin, its struggle and how it became a worthwhile and safest city to live in the modern era.
You will read the story of Muthu, who is in search of his roots in a new land in Singapore. His journey was stressful while encountering his relatives there; however, he finally finds solace in the love of Priya. There are other stories of many characters that shed light on Singapore culture’s different dimensions and its development.
I find how amazingly Jayanthi well researched the social, cultural, psychological, and mental changes of Singapore and its people. I like how the author portrays the different mental states of characters, from kings to migrant workers. The mentions of personal mails and stick note conversation give the personal reader touch.
Overall, it is well researched historical fiction to know more about Singapore.
“A season of fruit” by “Ian Pinto” is a collection of poetry based on the life experiences and scrutiny through the eyes of the author. “Does this work” I love this second poem of the book; this metaphorically emphasizes that if you want to make a difference in your life and want to achieve your dream, keep making an effort to fulfill it.
This is a 58 pages short poetry book. I enjoyed reading the book. The author writes about various experiences that portray his ups and downs in life, his emotional turmoil, and setting values for himself. The common theme I feel in each poem is “Hope.”
“A season of fruit” is a beautiful collection of poetry, and it is mature and will pull the heartstrings of readers. The author’s writing style is impressive in that the words will flow in your mind for a long time. I will recommend this book to people interested in the self-evaluation journey and following whatever path it leads to.
This is a 58 pages short poetry book. I enjoyed reading the book. The author writes about various experiences that portray his ups and downs in life, his emotional turmoil, and setting values for himself. The common theme I feel in each poem is “Hope.”
“A season of fruit” is a beautiful collection of poetry, and it is mature and will pull the heartstrings of readers. The author’s writing style is impressive in that the words will flow in your mind for a long time. I will recommend this book to people interested in the self-evaluation journey and following whatever path it leads to.
Delightful, delightful, delightful! That is the best way to describe the new series of Sundari Venkatraman. "Simha International" is the first installment of the "The Bansal Legacy" series.
Simha International is a work of contemporary fiction and interpersonal drama. It is intended for general adult readers owing romance, drama, social challenges for a girl, etc.
The book follows the story of two young, career-driven individuals: Rohit is an intelligent, kind, self-made man who knows how to balance work and life. He is the managing director of a five-star hotel. Tasha is a beautiful, confident, hardworking, and vibrant girl who works in the same hotel. They both are burdened with the pain of past failure relationships and hesitate to step into a new relationship.
There is drama in the story; Rohit finds out about a thief in the hotel, and he has to find out that person to save his image of the hotel, as an old client was gets cheated with that thief.
It is so lovely to read a book that exists in a world of fine food, proper etiquette, and a beautiful location. The descriptive work of Sundari mam is fantastic, and this book brought me right to the streets of Goa, my soul city. The story is fun, intriguing, and entertaining that you will finish it in one go.
The author always talks about serious topics of society in her books. This time she reflects on a challenge a girl's faces and how she never gets the appreciation or identity just because she is a girl and from her own family.
I always enjoy diving into the fictional world created by Sundari mam because she knows how to balance all the exciting elements with emotional parallels to modern life and drama so that the story's characters resonate with contemporary readers.
Overall, "Simha International" offers you everything you hope for in contemporary fiction.
Simha International is a work of contemporary fiction and interpersonal drama. It is intended for general adult readers owing romance, drama, social challenges for a girl, etc.
The book follows the story of two young, career-driven individuals: Rohit is an intelligent, kind, self-made man who knows how to balance work and life. He is the managing director of a five-star hotel. Tasha is a beautiful, confident, hardworking, and vibrant girl who works in the same hotel. They both are burdened with the pain of past failure relationships and hesitate to step into a new relationship.
There is drama in the story; Rohit finds out about a thief in the hotel, and he has to find out that person to save his image of the hotel, as an old client was gets cheated with that thief.
It is so lovely to read a book that exists in a world of fine food, proper etiquette, and a beautiful location. The descriptive work of Sundari mam is fantastic, and this book brought me right to the streets of Goa, my soul city. The story is fun, intriguing, and entertaining that you will finish it in one go.
The author always talks about serious topics of society in her books. This time she reflects on a challenge a girl's faces and how she never gets the appreciation or identity just because she is a girl and from her own family.
I always enjoy diving into the fictional world created by Sundari mam because she knows how to balance all the exciting elements with emotional parallels to modern life and drama so that the story's characters resonate with contemporary readers.
Overall, "Simha International" offers you everything you hope for in contemporary fiction.
"The demons we run from" by Boakye D. Alpha is a collection of poems cum random thoughts as the blurb mentions that "it's not just a poetry anthology, it's an oracle." The book title is an interesting and opts choice for the book as it succinctly expresses the theme of each poem.
The book holds twenty-seven poems that are infused with doom. The theme of the poems explores the dark emotions of a human being that we feel in different phases of life, like love, death, so-called social norms, addictions, etc.
The author expresses the raw pain, struggles, and emptiness a human being feels. He shared these emotions not to make readers sad but to show they are not alone; everybody has demons that haunt them. And in the end, there is a ray of hope that pops up to make you feel good.
For example:
"I know I can't change the past.
So, I'd rather stand up high and keep on moving on
Then fall into an abyss of blinding darkness."
He shares his emotional vulnerability with the readers and allows them to feel his heart-felt poems' pain and emotions. This book is an author's view of life, and he sends a message that the miseries of life are part of life and lead us to grow as a human, and sometimes we have to befriend our demons and negotiate with them and learn to live with them.
I like "The demons we run from" and recommend this to all, whether you are a poetry buff or not. If you have felt haunted by your own emotions, misunderstood, and faced heartbreak, this is the perfect book to help you feel you are not alone in a painful journey.
My favorite lines from the book:
"So long as the sun shines, our past is here to stay.
But we are going to stand now and make our future gay.
We will stand strong with our heads held high,
Reaching to find our homes, castles in the sky."
The book holds twenty-seven poems that are infused with doom. The theme of the poems explores the dark emotions of a human being that we feel in different phases of life, like love, death, so-called social norms, addictions, etc.
The author expresses the raw pain, struggles, and emptiness a human being feels. He shared these emotions not to make readers sad but to show they are not alone; everybody has demons that haunt them. And in the end, there is a ray of hope that pops up to make you feel good.
For example:
"I know I can't change the past.
So, I'd rather stand up high and keep on moving on
Then fall into an abyss of blinding darkness."
He shares his emotional vulnerability with the readers and allows them to feel his heart-felt poems' pain and emotions. This book is an author's view of life, and he sends a message that the miseries of life are part of life and lead us to grow as a human, and sometimes we have to befriend our demons and negotiate with them and learn to live with them.
I like "The demons we run from" and recommend this to all, whether you are a poetry buff or not. If you have felt haunted by your own emotions, misunderstood, and faced heartbreak, this is the perfect book to help you feel you are not alone in a painful journey.
My favorite lines from the book:
"So long as the sun shines, our past is here to stay.
But we are going to stand now and make our future gay.
We will stand strong with our heads held high,
Reaching to find our homes, castles in the sky."
Raise your voice, scream out loud. Say what you mean, mean what you say. Your words are your own. No one can take them from you. You are your own person, you are someone. Raise your voice to speak out loud.
About the book:
The book “Empower to Transform” talks about the perspective of society towards women. The psychology behind the Atrocities on women is the core of this nonfiction book. This is the book that will explain both why and how to empower a woman?
My thoughts:
The preface of the book is very well written; it holds the whole essence of the book. The poems written about women, at the beginning of every chapter are very motivational. I found the intention behind writing this book is very appreciative, authors researched the facts and statistics very finely. But somehow, I feel a lack of emotions in the book, because of no case studies. I think the case studies will enhance the impact of Facts written in the book.
Overall, this book is a simple and easy read on a subject undergoing intense study.
About the book:
The book “Empower to Transform” talks about the perspective of society towards women. The psychology behind the Atrocities on women is the core of this nonfiction book. This is the book that will explain both why and how to empower a woman?
My thoughts:
The preface of the book is very well written; it holds the whole essence of the book. The poems written about women, at the beginning of every chapter are very motivational. I found the intention behind writing this book is very appreciative, authors researched the facts and statistics very finely. But somehow, I feel a lack of emotions in the book, because of no case studies. I think the case studies will enhance the impact of Facts written in the book.
Overall, this book is a simple and easy read on a subject undergoing intense study.
“Trapping yourself in a cage would not heal you, no matter how beautiful the cage is.”
The book is a motivational read which serves to embrace one’s wounds and walking ahead in life.
About the book:
It’s an emotional journey of Protagonist Sharan. He has a successful career, lavish life, and a good family. but the sudden demise of his wife and son in an accident shattered his life. He went on an uncertain journey of discovering the inner peace from ghat of Haridwar to Shimla. He met five people in his journey who guided him to find his path, to turn his pain into power, to keep faith and hope, and to seek happiness in little things.
My Thoughts:
The insightful narration of incidents and well-crafted character makes the book more relatable to real life. the book connects with social and emotional issues like depression, betrayal in relationships, and domestic violence. Overall this is a short and insightful read.
The book is a motivational read which serves to embrace one’s wounds and walking ahead in life.
About the book:
It’s an emotional journey of Protagonist Sharan. He has a successful career, lavish life, and a good family. but the sudden demise of his wife and son in an accident shattered his life. He went on an uncertain journey of discovering the inner peace from ghat of Haridwar to Shimla. He met five people in his journey who guided him to find his path, to turn his pain into power, to keep faith and hope, and to seek happiness in little things.
My Thoughts:
The insightful narration of incidents and well-crafted character makes the book more relatable to real life. the book connects with social and emotional issues like depression, betrayal in relationships, and domestic violence. Overall this is a short and insightful read.