Book Review: Anything to Look Hot by Jas Kohli

Book Name- Anything to Look Hot

Author- Jas Kohli

Publisher- Srishti Publishers and Distributors

Price- Rs. 195

Blurb-

When the superstar diva of the past decade doesn’t want to play the hero’s mother on screen, she insists that she be reshaped in to the most beautiful woman in the world… by any means.

This is just one of the many odd situations which plastic surgeon Dr. Dhruv faces in Mumbai. He has dealt with tyrannical bosses and finicky patients while undergoing his training, during which he has also won over a stunning doctor as his life partner. But satisfying the movie stars is a different ball game, because every girl wishes to have a bee-stung lips, and every guy wants to flaunt a six-pack abdomen without working too hard. And all this while, he has to resist losing his balance over his ravishing female clients.

Dr. Dhruv’s journey surpasses even a masala movie for humour, drama and action. In debunking many a myth about cosmetic surgeries, the book will enthral those who can do Anything to Look Hot.

My take-

Anything to Look Hot is a life journey of a plastic surgeon. The story begins with Dr. Dhruv clearing his M.Ch. (Master of Chirurgiae) exams with outstanding marks. Congratulations and celebrations then takes place and few days later, Dhruv finds himself embarked on his journey to become a plastic surgeon.

Days roll on and one fine morning, Nandani walks in to Dhruv’s life. She works as a junior to him. A few talks and gradual meet ups make Dhruv fall in love with Nandani. Nandani too, sails in the same boat as his. Dhruv is from Delhi and Nandani from Assam- would their parents agree to their marriage? Yes, they agree and Nandani and Dhruv get married. Nandani gets admission to complete her M.D. whereas Dhruv moves to Mumbai, the hub of actors and actresses in India.

Anything to Look Hot is a story of success and the hurdles to success. It’s a story about jealousy. It’s a story about loving one’s job. It’s a story of friendship.

Does Dhruv get carried away with the starlets? Does his decision of shifting to Mumbai bring rift in to his and Nandani’s relationship? Time to find out!

Likes-

• The narration of this novel is very refreshing.
• Dhruv’s effort in wooing Nandani is appreciable.
• The use of medical terminologies. It reminded me of The Fault In Our Stars. “Hazel Grace, I love it when you talk medical to me.” This book gave me a similar feeling that Augustus had!
• Dhruv’s dedication and his enthusiasm towards his work.

Dislikes-

• The part where in Dhruv’s father takes up acting. It read very filmy.

I rate-

Cover- 2/5

Story- 3.5/5

Characters- 3/5

My overall rating for Anything to Look Hot is 3/5.

You can book your copies here!

Book Review: The Happiness Code by Suvasish Mukhopadhyay

Book Name- The Happiness Code

Author- Suvasish Mukhopadhyay

Publisher- Peacock Books

Price- Rs. 150

Blurb-

The book talks of art of achieving happiness. It is filled with author’s lifetime experiences about human psychology. It is highlighted that happiness is nothing but a state of mind and that state can be attained by exploring the inner world. Simple lifestyle, benevolent deeds, positive mindset and clarity in thoughts are prerequisites for being happy. By chasing and trying to be happy no one can attain happiness. It is spontaneous.

There is a misconception that money is the yardstick of happiness but in most of the cases excess money is the root cause of unhappiness. Ego is the greatest barrier in the way to happiness. The key to happiness is to make others happy. Several real life incidents are portrayed in a lucid manner in various chapters of this book. This book has the potential to transform a human being and show him or her the right way of living and enable the readers to get the true meaning of life. The mission of the author is to awaken the dormant happy persons, who are in deep slumber within the folks.

My views-

I define ‘The Happiness Code’ to be a guide to happiness. The book consists of 107 chapters. Each chapter portrays a new way towards achieving happiness.

The language is simple and easy to understand. The narration is so aptly done that the question of doubts does not arise throughout the reading process. The author recounts some incidents of his life which are indeed inspiring. When you explain certain thing to someone, the explanation becomes easier to understand when you relate it to real life situations. The same is done by the author. That’s the probable reason why the reading process turns out to be interesting. Each chapter is inspiring and gives out a message for the readers.

The Happiness Code is sure to change your angle of viewing and taking happiness. It changed mine! I wanted to mention a few quotes form the book but that would be a spoiler. I request you to read this book. I am sure you wouldn’t regret it.

I rate-

Cover- 2/5

Narration- 4.5/5

My overall rating for ‘The Happiness Code’ is 4/5.

Buy this book at this link.

Book Review: He fixed the match. She fixed him. By Shikha

Book Name: He fixed the match. She fixed him.

Author: Shikha

Publisher: Vitasta Publishing Pvt. Ltd.

Price: Rs. 175

Blurb:

Shreya- I’m highly qualified Delhi girl earning an enviable salary. My parents are having a tough time finding a suitable groom for me. However, recently they have a proposal from this very interesting guy from Mumbai. I almost get mesmerised when he starts talking to me. I think I like him very much.

Kunal- I’m owner of a textile company in Mumbai. My Mom wants me to get married. Again. She has recently suggested a suitable girl from Delhi. What my Mom doesn’t know is that I’ve met Shreya before once in my life and I’ve been looking for her ever since. I have a vendetta to settle.

The author takes you along on a journey via roads of revenge, agony, remorse, attraction, titillation, tantalisation and romance. Do Shreya and Kunal make it, or do they fall prey to their past?

My take:

Shreya is a girl of marriageable age and like all parents in the world are, her parents are asking her to get married. They are searching a suitable match for their daughter. Their searching process bears fruit and they find Kunal interested in Shreya. This match is arranged through a matrimony site. Things move further and Shreya begins to like Kunal. She agrees to get married to him in spite of her mother’s refusal. Kunal is a divorcee and this fact is not digested well by Shreya’s mother. However, she gives in to Shreya’s happiness and agrees.

Shreya gets married to Kunal only to receive the greatest shock of her life. She had a bad encounter with Kunal who is now seeking revenge. Is Kunal successful at his revenge? How does Shreya manage the situation? Did she fall in love with Kunal? What does future have in store for them?

He fixed the match. She fixed him is a complete package of emotions. It’s a journey from hatred to love, from betrayal to trust, from torturing to caring, from liking to loving. The story is awesome and the narration is simple and touchy. Every chapter you read has some surprise elements which keeps you hooked to the book. The book is a page turner. Kudos to the author for writing such an incredible story.

I, personally, was not a fan of arranged marriages. But reading this book, I don’t think having an arranged marriage will be a bad option. Shikha Ma’am, you made me fall in love with your characters, your story and most importantly, arranged marriages. I feel like I have lived through the story. I wish this book is converted in to a movie soon!

I rate:

Cover: 4/5

Story: 4.5/5

Characters: 4.5/5

This book deserves a rating of 4.5/5 stars.

You can buy this book here!

Book Review: Karna’s Alter Ego by Surendra Nath

Book Name: Karna’s Alter Ego

Author’s Name: Surendra Nath

Publisher: Dream House Publications

Price: Rs. 175

Blurb:

Karna, the ill-fated hero of Mahabharata. Many feel he deserved to win. If only luck had favoured him…

5000 years later, we have a man named Vasu, who is much like Karna- born illegitimate, very talented but denied all credits in life, rejected in love, misses a medal in the Asian games, gets caught for telling an innocent lie, overlooked for promotion. He begins to identify himself with Karna, and interestingly Karna appears to him after every debacle to assuage and encourage him.

It seems Vasu is Karma’s alter ego.

My take:

When anybody tells me their life story, about their struggles, their achievements on their own, it makes me feel special and priviledged. A similar kind of experience I had with Karna’s Alter Ego. I felt as if somebody is narrating to me Vasu’s story, somebody is conversing with me about his life.

Vasu, a young 12 year old, is born in to a poor family. He calls himself ill-fated as nothing seems to work in his favour. On one such fateful night, he learns from his mother that he was born out of wedlock and that she conceived him when she was sexually assaulted at her work place. He takes time to digest the reality. Over time, he begins to compare himself to Karna as Karna too had a fateful life like Vasu! He prays to Karna and his Lord appears before him.

Vasu’s struggle does not end with his schooling. Bad luck haunts him throughout his college and work until the age of 46. Many incidents occur when Vasu finds himself a step behind the success and fate ruins it for him. He always has moral support from his guru, Karna who gives him lessons in order to cope up with his problems and failures.

What incident occurs when Vasu turns 46 which completely re-define his luck? Does Vasu emerge successful?

I usually do not mention any quotations from the book in my review. But these are the ones I couldn’t help sharing.

• What you believe you rightfully deserve may not ne meant for you at all.
• A lie is a falsehood intentionally done, but an untruth is not a lie; it is merely uttered by someone who is, of the truth, unaware. Every lie is an untruth, but not every untruth a lie.
• What is given away out of your surplus is merely charity, but what we give away through personal deprivation is above charity, it is sacrifice.
• Grow up! Let not little setbacks hold you down.

The narration style is good. The author has said in the preface that every chapter is a story in itself and it is true! Every chapter is a short story and gives you a message / lesson for life. The flow of the chapters is quite good. The ‘Brief Narrative of Related Incidents’ serve as cherry on the cake. Any person having zero knowledge about Mahabharata will be able to absorb this story.

I must mention that this novel has changed my outlook on failures and life!

I rate:

Cover: 3/5

Story: 4.5/5

Characters: 4/5

My overall rating for Karna’s Alter Ego is 4/5 stars.

Karna's Alter Ego can be bought here!

Book Review: Innocence Lost – Stories of Child Abuse by Gargi Publishers

Book Name: Innocence Lost – Stories of Child Abuse (Crumpled Voices 2)

Contributing Authors: Naisargi Bhatt, Pramit Sarkar, Aditi Sahu, Supriya Parulekar, Sunanda Bhadra, Swathi Shenoy, Nikita Nepali, Dr. Sunil Kaushal , Piyush Kaviraj, Brinda Tailor, Shreya Ganguly, Vaisakh E Hari, Leena Ratti, Shikha Kaul, Dr. Lopamudra Maitra, Ummul Fazal Fatima Khan and Tanya Shrivastava.

Publisher: Gargi Publishers

Price: Rs. 160

My Take:

Eighteen by Naisargi Bhatt

‘Eighteen’ is a poem that describes the life of a girl. The girl is eighteen years old and recounts to the reader the tale of her life. Very expressive!

Pang of History by Pramit Sarkar

The story section of Crumpled Voices 2 opens with a bang with Pramit’s story. Every individual born on this earth is unique in his own ways. Parents often forget it and compare their child’s ability with others. This shouldn’t be done. What effect does it have on the child. Read Pang of History! This has become my favourite!

The Lost and Found Self-Respect by Aditi Sahu

This story touched my heart. Avantika was sexually abused when she was 4 year old. She tries to forget it as a bad dream and tries to move on with her life. Does this incident haunt her present? What will she do- share it with her husband or keep quiet like she did years ago? The narration of this story has been done very well. A good read!

The White Lily by Supriya Parulekar

Another story of child abuse! Lust is the evil disease which once contracted can never be cured. Rose’s husband, James is one of those monsters who abuses young girls in order to satisfy his thirst. He tricks them in to his stories about monsters and plays with their young, innocent minds. His current target is Melody. Does she escape from his lusty intentions? The narration is perfect. Dialogues are crafted well. The poem in the beginning of the story is like a cherry on the cake. Awesome read!

A Cry- Help Me! By Sunanda Bhadra

Child marriage is a social evil and it really hurts to know that it is still prevalent in many rural areas of our country. A Cry- Help Me! Talks about this evil custom and the way a girl’s life is devasted after falling prey to it. Overall, an average read!

The Lost Dreams by Swathi Shenoy

“You are a gril. You shouldn’t go out late at night.”

“You are a girl. Behave like one! Have you seen your clothes?”

Most of the girls face these talks from our elders. This story is of that kind. Riya isn’t allowed to participate in the national level match by her grandparents. Does her mother support her or does she keep mum like always? The narration is done very well. The flow of the story is also good. It is the end which stole my heart. An awesome read!

Live like a fairy! By Nikita Nepali

The story did not fit well in the theme – this is what I feel. However, the story gives a wonderful message. ‘One should take lessons from life and keep moving’.

The Shadow by Dr. Sunil Kaushal

Rape is a heinous crime. This story is about Soma, a girl who was raped in her childhood. She was forced in to marriage in order to avoid the society talks. Has she recovered from the mental torture that the incident caused to her? What does she do when she encounters the same beast again? The narration is awesome. The poetry at the start of the story is very touching. An excellent read!

The Guinea Pig by Piyush Kaviraj

‘Breast Cancer’ stories have always touched me. And so does this story. The protagonist is kidnapped by few soldiers and is brought to a laboratory where experiments are conducted. Being a young girl, the protagonist did not know what the evil minds intend to do to her. She gives in and after two months of suffering and dizziness, she finds herself in a hospital. What had happened to her? Why was she admitted? Who had rescued her? I just have one word for this story- incredible. The plot, the flow of events and the way of expressing the emotions is simply wow!

The Unheard Cry by Brinda Tailor

Most of the Indian parents confine their thoughts to only engineering and medicine as the ultimate career option. They fail to recognise the talents of their child and force them in to engineering or medicine. This story is sure to bring a change on the minds of parents.

The Loud Silence by Shreya Ganguly

 ‘Can a prostitute be raped?’- this is the center of this story. The question seems absurd. Isn’t it? Read Naina’s story and find out the answer to the above question. The story was overall a good read!

Tales from a pit deep down by Vaisakh E Hari

This story made me think! I cannot say anything about this one. I must say I liked reading it.

A Tryst with Naaz by Leena Ratti

Can your family behave badly with you, ill-treat you? This question arised in my mind as I started reading this story. My doubts were cleared at the end. Again, good narration! Average read!

Just a lucky day or not by Shikha Kaul

Shikha Ma’am has amazed me with ‘Hidden Husband’ and with this story too! The story begins with the girl waiting for her mum outside school. I silently prayed in my mind about her safety. But no! She is kidnapped. The surprising part of this story lies in its end. The story is amazing!

Lesson Learned by Dr. Lopamudra Maitra

Female foeticide is a crime. I am astonished to see that sex determination still exists in this modern era of technology and science. Mala’s foetus is that of a girl child. Her in-laws and husband are forcing her to get her baby aborted. Does she do it? An overall good read!

Left to be estranged by Ummul Fazal Fatima Khan

Parents and children should give each other some space. They must respect each other’s decisions and thoughts. They should be more like friends. This story primarily focuses on current parent-child relationship. A must read for parents!

That shade of vermilion by Tanya Shrivastava

What started with a bang, ended up in one! The story is about Ashwin Rathod and his failure as a son and as a husband. Ashwin is so blind with his career and success that he doesn’t realise that he has left his wife Aastha in the jaws of death. What happens to Aastha is inexplicable. An awesome story!

Innocence Lost –Stories of child abuse is a thought provoking anthology. The stories have been carefully chosen and compiled. All the stories focus on different issues which makes this anthology unique. The stories have been edited well.

My personal favorites are Pang of History by Pramit sarkar, The White Lily by Supriya Parulekar, The Shadow by Dr. Sunil Kaushal, The Guinea Pig by Piyush Kaviraj, Just a lucky day or not by Shikha Kaul and That shade of vermilion by Tanya Shrivastava.

I rate:

Cover: 4/5

Stories: 4/5

My overall rating for this anthology is 4/5 stars.

You can order your copies here!

Book Review: Diabolical by Supriya Parulekar

Book Name: Diabolical

Author: Supriya Parulekar

Publisher: Gargi Publishers

Price: Rs. 195

Blurb:

Lost and alone, Sonya fought with the demons that haunted her, threatening to rip her apart!

“They want me dead….” Sonya mumbled as fear took hold of her. Being a superstar in Bollywood provided no solace to the gorgeous Sonya Rana and there was no running away from that she experienced every waking moment.

Jay tried to soothe her frayed nerves with his love but she chose to shut herself from the world. All she wanted was to leave her dark past behind somehow.

“Let me go… please” Sonya pleaded to Tanis, her step-sister who fiercely loved and protected her.

Sonya knew the bitter truth. In the end, either one will survive, she or the demons raging within her, and if the demons won, it would spell an end for Sonya.

When one’s soul takes a beating, all hope is lost and everything is over in a single heartbeat.

The ‘Diabolical’ had manifested itself within the gorgeous Sonya, killing the hope of chance at a beautiful life she could have had.

Read this book to unravel the dark games our mind plays with us. Experience a tumultuous ride of emotions as Sonya’s past catches up with her sending her life spiralling down.

My take:

Film star, Sonya Rana has had a horrendous childhood. Being an abandoned child, Sonya always wished for some motherly love from her step mother, Ramola. Ramola never considered Sonya as her daughter and very often, she neglected, scolded and threatened her. She did not take a stand for her when Sonya was sexually abused.

Minds of young children are like that of clay. It takes the shape of whatever that is imprinted on it. Sonya has the horrible incident of the sexual abuse hidden, deep somewhere. And it is this incident which keeps haunting her present. Even love form Tania, her step-sister and Jay, her lover couldn’t rescue her from these demons.

Hope is the only thing that we have which keeps us going in our life. When hope is lost, everything is lost. Sonya loses hope and is forced upon by the demons to commit suicide. What was the cause of Sonya’s death? Was it a murder that was disguised as a suicide?

Diabolical takes you on a roller coaster ride of love, friendship and hope. The author has done an exceptionally brilliant job with the narration part. I have lived through the book. The characters, too, have been well-developed. The flow of the story is constant. It keeps you hooked up until the end.

Likes:

• Sonya and Tania’s love and friendship ~ I share a similar kind of relationship with my sister. I felt the rush of emotions when reading about them. I could relate myself with most of the incidents from the story. For example – the swing.
• Jay’s love for Sonya ~ It reminded me of A Walk to Remember! Selfless love!
• Maya- The Mystique and her contribution in solving the mystery.
• The author hasn’t given the story a happy end. Depression is like termite. It eats up your life. Sonya’s suicide proved that author wishes to write realism. I liked the end. Some part of me still feels that Sonya should have given a chance to Jay and their relationship. But it’s better to die once than torturing oneself to death every day.

I rate:

Cover: 3.5/5

Story: 4/5

Characters: 4/5

Diabolical deserves an overall rating of 4/5 stars.

You can buy this book online. Click here!

[Ask and Answer]- Online Talk with Soumyadeep Koley

Soumyadeep Koley is a writer, poet, women’s right activist and a photographer. After graduating with Honours degree in Chemistry from Scottish Church College, Kolkata, he joined the global fight against violence on women. He has worked with Jason Jayology Jeremias, the Founder and Artistic Director of Price of Silence, New York, which employs performing arts to bring the global struggle for women’s right to life. Soumyadeep has three years of experience in psychological counseling of domestic violence and rape survivors in India and abroad, through unique mystical and metaphysical techniques. 

How would you describe 'Soumyadeep Koley'?

Soumyadeep Koley is someone who is crazy enough to think that a one man's dream can change the world. He also feels that humility is best virtue a person can have, because in life, we own nothing. We live only to leave footprints in the sands of time.

Your dream, your novel 'Her resurrection ' is winning hearts all over. How was your journey writing it?

The journey was a tough one that saw a person leaving his job, becoming a vagabond who roamed the country for a year, with a notebook and pen. Then it saw that vagabond turning into an author - the author that faced a plethora of difficult times in various facets.

How was your journey turning your dreams in to reality?

When I look back, I feel immensely

blessed, to have survived the tribulations and having been able to see thisday.

I have heard people saying that an author needs to live the life of the character in order to write better. Was it difficult being Maya?

At first it was heartbreaking to say the least. But in the end, the courage, determination and fortitude, which Maya has shown, have made me fall in love with her more than anyone else I could ever fall for. Your love for the protagonist of your first book can never beat the feelings you'd ever have for anyone else, because it's a reflection of your soul.

Very true! Her resurrection is your debut. Did you anytime feel insecure about the same? Had 'What-if" thoughts crossed your mind?

I have been insecure when reality struck me, but I never let it get better of confidence.

What if I can't reach the appropriate audience? What if I don't get publisher, the book being not in conformance with the much-coveted-for topics?

How did you cope with these thoughts? What kept you going?

The only fact that kept me going was that if I gave up, the Maya I'm in love with, might never see the light of the day. I held on to make her come to life!

With all romantic love stories being loved by readers, did you anytime feel that your book might lie in those never attended shelves of the book store?

Sometimes, I do feel that; that's the reality. But there's always a first time before a new genre becomes the craze.

There are many novels that have been converted in to movies. If Her Resurrection has been made in to a Bollywood movie, who do you think will fit in the role of Maya? And Why?

Kangana Ranaut. Because, she has a striking similarity with the physique of Maya. Also, her acting and expressions are impeccable.

Besides writing, what's the one thing you have an undying love for?

Robotics and embedded system programming.

That means you are a 'science' person! Have you thought of writing technical books?

I've not yet thought of writing technical books, but in future, I might do it through an experimental genre and way of presentation. I have started a tutorial site, though: youtube.com/thetigerkoley

Have you started working on your second novel? If yes, what is it all about?

No, I haven't started working on my second book, yet.

How would you sum up your writing in one sentence?

'Her Resurrection' was a modest effort on my part to make Jyoti Singh immortal. I felt my life had been fulfilled when Mrs. Priyanka Batra Harjai of Books News India commented about my book, "With this work, Ms. Jyoti Singh, the India's daughter, revives!"

I couldn't have said it better in one sentence.

Where do you see yourself five years from now?

As an author and a humanist, who'd reach more and more people, who'd touch hearts, mend them, and make millions smile. That's what we are born for.

Readers would love to hear a piece of advice from you. So do you have any advice or message for your readers?

Life is a journey, you only embark on once. Do not just survive it. Live it. When you believe in the magic of the universe and its miracles, the world would be in your hands.

You can buy Her Resurrection here!

Book Review: Masters of Lygrenn by Arjun Pawar

Book Name: Masters of Lygrenn

Author Name: Arjun Pawar

Publisher: Frog Books

Price: Rs. 150

Blurb:

In an era dominated by the saints rises a kingdom where sins are committed regularly. A kingdom ruled by a noble king but misled by his cruel Masters. Hamish, the cruelest Master with a dream of conquering the world, faces a challenge from an ordinary boy, who in search of his answers finds the reason for his existence. Fire God, the most powerful and loyal Master of the King, is stuck in a dilemma of whether to support the good or the bad.

A story of brutal vengeance where there is no space for the good. Will the good rise to power?

My Take:

Emperor Zakati is well known for his cruelty amongst his subjects. He considered himself to be the supreme power and treated his people with disrespect. He divided his people on the basis of wealth they possessed. He always thought that they were his puppets who would listen to his every order.

Emperor Zakati had a son named Xaviallo who was strictly against the ideologies of his father. He was against the injustice done by his father. One fine day, Xaviallo speaks his heart out. Emperor Zakati refuses to listen to his son. Xaviallo is firm on his decision. He asks for an army and announces that he wishes to have a kingdom of his own. Emperor is reluctant at first. He consults with his Master and ultimately gives in.

Xaviallo is accompanied by four of Emperor’s reliable Masters - Master Hamish, Kaalki, Rudra and Fire God. They start off at Kalahar and with their exceptional skills manage to bring many villages under Xaviallo’s rule. Xaviallo follows a simple mantra- do no injustice. Years roll on and Xaviallo makes himself so potential that people consider him as their messiah.

Life is not always a piece of cake. Hamish is secretly plotting a murder in order to become the king. He plans his actions and poisons King Xaviallo. Xaviallo dies and Marshell, Xaviallo’s son, declares himself as the king. Hamish’s plan is a success. He now plays with Marshell’s young mind to fulfill his wish.

Meanwhile, Fire God realises the evil plan in the minds of the Masters. He is bounded to his vow. He has already broken one and so cannot dare to break another. Will the boy who calls himself Arjuna and Fire God's grandson manage to change Fire God's way of thinking? Does Hamish emerge victorious?

Masters of Lygrenn is the debut of Arjun Pawar. I must say that he has done a commendable job. The narration style, the flow of the story and the crafting of the characters is impeccable. I wondered whether the story is really a fiction. Few years ago, I had read Mastani- a novel. The narration of Masters of Lygrenn reminded me of it. I had an awesome time reading it. I recommend this book to all mythology lovers. I canguarantee you an excellent read!

I rate:

Cover; 3/5

Story: 4/5

Characters: 4/5

My overall rating for Masters of Lygrenn is 4/5.

You can buy this book online. Click here!

Book Review: You Promised You Will by Nisha Sharma

Book Name: You Promised You Will

Author Name: Nisha Sharma

Publisher: Omji Publishing Pvt. Ltd.

Price: Rs. 100

Blurb:

Niharika and Akshat met via a formal meet but they fell in love with each other on the very next meeting when they met informally for the first time. Their love grew stronger with the passage of time and converted into unconditional love which unfortunately had different meanings for both of the. Akshat loved Niharika and sacrificed his love for Niharika's happiness but on the other side Niharika made all the efforts to get her love in her life. 

And now that song haunts each and every part of Niharika whenever she listens to that. 

What destiny has in store for both of them?

Will they have a future together?

Will they keep their promises to be there for each other forever?

What lead Niharika into the trauma center?

What is the role of the famous song ‘Hum tere bin ab reh nai skte....' in their lives?

Read this heart-breaking tale on unconditional loves and promises to get all the answers.

My Take:

Niharika, a girl of marriageable age, is constantly nagged by her parents. They want her to get married. After a lot of emotional blackmailing, Niharika finally gives in to parents wishes and agrees to meet Akshat, the boy.

After a lot of chats and phone calls and a subsequent meeting, Niharika realizes that Akshat is the one for her and she falls in love with him. Akshat, too, falls in love with her. Both families then spill the beans of horoscope mismatch. Niharika is broken but Akshat assures her that he would figure out something. Their relationship continues through the bumpy road of fights and arguments.

The black day dawns in Niharika’s life. When Akshat breaks up with her he tells her that they did not have a future because of horoscope mismatch. He also informs her that he has agreed to marry another girl. Niharika goes in to depression. You Promised You Will is a story of love and fighting for your love. It’s a story of fighting back the dark patches of life and emerging victorious.

Matching horoscopes before going ahead with the marriage is an age old custom of India. Though developments in science and technology are tremendous, there still exist many who believe in horoscope match. Many love stories die an unnatural death due to horoscope issues. How long are we going to sacrifice our love for these customs? Does Niharika manage to fight against it and marry Akshat? Is Akshat bold enough to pursue his love?

What did I like about the story?

• Niharika’s try to maintain balance in her relationship
• Niharika’s love for Akshat

The narration style (Niharika narrating her story to Nisha) could have been done better. I got confused many times, at the beginning of the chapters. Large paragraphs usually bore the readers. They could have been divided in to smaller ones.

I rate:

Cover: 3/5

Story: 4/5

Characters: 3.5/5

My overall rating for You Promised You Will is 3.5/5

You can by this book online by clicking here!

Book Review: I Will Never Find Another You by Kumar Kaustubh

Book Name: I Will Never Find Another You

Author Name: Kumar Kaustubh

Publisher: Lifi Publications Pvt. Ltd.

Price: Rs. 180

Blurb:

She made me feel something in a way I hadn’t felt earlier. Her smile made me feel lighter.

Love is that which inspires us. Love is that which makes us believe in miracles. Love is that changes to be a good human being. Karan and Vandana, two teenagers, were mad and made for each other. How does love inspire them? How does love make them believe in destiny? How does love change their world? Find in I Will Never Find Another You…

My take:

Karan, an ill-mannered and short tempered guy, falls in an argument with his mother about accompanying her to his cousin’s marriage. Karan knows very well that his behavior, his actions, his words hurt others, yet he doesn’t want to change. Music is his passion and he wishes to be a rockstar. He has already marched on his journey of becoming one.

Karan has a very happening social life. He has a band with which he rehearses his songs. I have observed that the more a guy is involved in extra-curricular activities, more number of girls wish to connect to him. If you consider any relationship, you can very well compare it with a tree. Its roots being friendship. Sana, a girl from Karan’s college, befriends him and they ultimately end up in a relationship.

They date for few months and then Sana dumps Karan for another guy. She never states the reason for the same. It is always believed that girls are more affected by break-ups. But it’s the partial truth. Boys, too, suffer in similar manner. Karan is heartbroken. He makes himself understand the situation and move on. Sana returns all the things that Karan gifted her back to him. She doesn’t wish to have any memories of their relationship. Karan abuses her and agrees to accompany his mother for the wedding. Karan’s life changes when he lands up in Devpur. What was the change.?

Likes:

• Vandana’s unconditional love for Karan
• Karan’s passion for music and his journey to become a rockstar
• Love changes one for good - Karan’s ride from being a ill-mannered guy to polite.

The narration is simple and hence a person having minimal knowledge of English will be able to comprehend the story. The poems in the beginning of each chapter acts like a cherry on the cake. The story begins with some puppy love incidents and ends up with some maturity.

I rate:

Cover: 3/5

Story: 3/5

Characters: 3.5/5

My overall rating for this novel is 3/5.

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