Go read Shoes of the Dead

There are books I recommend. Then there are books of which I would, you should read them. But then there are books I say, u got to read them. Now. 

Kota Neelima's Shoes of the Dead belongs to the last category. Of late, Indian authors are churning some amazing stuff. But Kota Neelima steers us into brand new world. A world which the journalists and the media avoid. It is the world of farmers and farmer suicides and the  politics that plays around it.

You know, Agriculture in India is an amazing business. It is tax-free, heavily subsidized and yet one of the most regulated industries in India. You won't believe the extent of red tapism involved. Despite being one of our largest employers, it sends us the maximum cases of malnutrition, poverty and suicides related to work place.

A seasoned journalist, Kota Neelima not only grasps the intricacies of this lifestyle, but also manages to weave it together with the posh, glamorous world of power politics in the Indian Capital. And that is what, makes this story a hell of a story. It is almost a story that is never told before. So you give up trying to guess what will happen next for nothing is what it seems. Yet the story is so real, so close to us. We just never want to venture into this world. Just like no one wants to check out their nearest garbage dump. They are just comfortable with the knowledge that it exists.  

Let me give u a brief snapshot of the story. No, I won't write any spoilers here. Just a brief snapshot. Keyur Kashinath is a first time MP and son of a powerful politician. His promising career might tumble off as farmer suicides are on the rise in his constituency. The numbers are up; for a farmer Gangiri has now got himself appointed on the suicide committee that decides which deaths happened due to farmer distress and which happened due to other causes. Now, Gangiri is upset for his brother had killed himself due to overwhelming debt and crop failure, but government did nothing for his brother's family. So unknowingly he is on the path to become Keyur's biggest rival. Hence, starts a great ride that this story is. The other interesting character to this drama is an enigmatic and fearless journalist Nazar Prabhakar. He writes reports which ultimately cause a lot of damage of Keyur’s image. He seeks inputs and co-operation from Dr. Videhi who too is a mysterious character and a social analyst.  

Folks, this book is a must read. The guys at Rupa Publications even got a hardcover version of this book which is so regal and awesome. This is one golden opportunity especially for the urban readers to get to know a real picture of what rural life is becoming in India.

This review is a part of the biggest <a href="http://blog.blogadda.com/2011/05/04/indian-bloggers-book-reviews" target="_blank"> Book Review Program </a> for <a href="http://www.blogadda.com" target="_blank">Indian Bloggers.</a> 

'My Life, My Rules: Stories of 18 Unconventional Careers'

List books as I like to call them are gaining quite popularity these days. Like a collection of short stories, these chronicle lives of people based on a common theme. Author Rashmi Bansal specializes in them with all of her bestseller books based on this model. My Life My Rules comes from the same publishing stable as later of Rashmi’s books have been delivered.  Author Sonia Golani has picked up a peculiar theme, people who have had unconventional careers. She has compiled stories of 18 such individuals who according to her have led a life on the offbeat path rather than going to regular jobs.

But what defines an unconventional career? To me, an engineer who takes up a job at a bank selling insurances is an unconventional career. A doctor going on to clear IAS and becoming an administrator of cities and villages instead of taking care of sick is unconventional. Yet we see so many such people in our daily lives. Individuals, who never really prepared for what was going to be their final career choice. Happens to many of us. Some people say it is a path of self discovery. Eventually everyone wants to find comfort in his or her work place.

So in that sense, the book does not throw great surprises. Granted, it looks like it is such a simple task writing such a book. All you need is to Google some celebrities and watch a lot of business TV channels. But in reality it takes as much research work as for example for a work of fiction. The author has claimed to have met most of the mentioned people in a short span of time (invariably in or around the Taj at Mumbai). Still after reading such kind of book, you should feel inspired and motivated. But that does not happen. And it is sad, for the book is really well crafted, well researched and well written.

Perhaps where the writer faltered was in selecting the characters of her book.  Like in fiction, non – fiction too needs its heroes. So here we have 18 people.  Now, most of them here already had chosen their future career before they completed their academic life. For example look at lives of Nikhil Chinapa and Aditi Govitrikar. Nikhil was well into music by the time he completed his architecture degree. Aditi too was well into modeling by the time she became a doctor. So can you really claim that they chose a different career?

Then there is the paradox of the culmination of their careers. Harsha Bhogle, Aditi, Latika all are seeing a drastic shift of their unconventional careers.  Still, all in all this is a good book that you should read. Who knows there is an inspiration for you where you are least expected to find it. For all their choice of careers, all these 18 people have lead an extraordinary life and maybe we can learn a thing or two from their lives, careers and career choice.This review is a part of the Book Reviews Program at http://www.blogadda.com. Participate now to get free books!

Tantra by Adi

Tantra by Adi
For years vampire stuff has been a successful ingredient for many bestsellers in the developed world. Many authors have achieved fame and recognition on this genre. But all that has been in the Americas and the European countries. Tantra by Adi, is a great effort in using the fascination with vampires in an Indian landscape. Not a simple task, but Adi has done a great job with it.
The chief protagonist of this story is Anu Aggarwal, who battles vampires for a living. Her personal reasons (mysterious death of a closed one) makes Anu leave New York for New Delhi.  In Delhi reside answers to her questions about her boyfriend’s death. India is by no means easy for Anu to adapt in.  She likes to wear leather which is impossible to wear in the New Delhi heat. Used to slaying deadly vampires in States, here she finds a comfortable relationship between the Guardians and the Vampires.
This is the point where the story takes an unexpected turn. For India is home to more than one supernatural power.  Someone is kidnapping children and using their spirit and blood to harness power and limitless energy (how many stories have we watched and read that ultimately lead to a quest for unlimited power? I guess just too many). To stop this Anu has to step out of her comfort zone. She probably has to work with the vampires, things she used to eliminate at sight. She also needs to up the ante, increase her own prowess for all the years of her training have not taught her to play this war.

Now that might be difficult for our heroine here but not as difficult as her personal life. In India she is staying with her aunt, who is hell bent on marrying her off to a nice groom. As Anu feels the heat of the spotlight she is on in a war between the deadly supernatural forces in the city, she is pushed around by her aunt for hunting prospective grooms. 

On the sidelines we have interesting characters like Amit Sethi. Amit is a Guardian in New Delhi who looks forward to a comfortable family life running the family business, having wife and kids like a normal guy. Instead he goes night after night chasing vampires and stuff. Chandra is the head of the Panch (An association of the vampires) who has a firm command and respect of all supernatural forces in the city.

All in all, Tantra by Adi is a good piece of fiction. It has fantasy, thrill and is packed with adventure. Although such stories get predictable by the time you reach the middle of it, Tantra holds you on till the very end.  The narrative is quick and fast not allowing you to move away from the story for a long time. Chances are, you will be finishing this book in a single take.

This review is a part of the Book Reviews Program at http://www.blogadda.com. Participate now to get free books!

R.I.P. by Mukul Deva

Mukul Deva is being hailed in the literary circles as the next big thing in the Indian thriller writing world. Perhaps truly so, as one after one his books hit the bestseller mark with ease. During my recent travels I read his recent book R.I.P – The Resurgent Indian Patriots.
The book is about vigilante activism in the center of which is retired Colonel Krishna Athawale and his K-Team. Sounds like Liam Neeson’s A- Team, doesn’t it? Yes, the story seems to coming directly from the good old English movies watching which we all grew up. But the plot is definitely Indian. Fed up with the corruption in the Indian political class, Krishna an ex- para military commando along with his team, decides to take action. But the politicians are politicians after all. So they send CBI after his team and secretively they also send another team led by Raghav Bhagat to hunt and kill the RIP team. Now Raghav is both corrupt and also an ex- para military commando. So, the story chugs along almost on predictable scale. Political and social events that actually happened in India in 2011 – 12 have been liberally used albeit fictionally.
There is also an angle of love with both Krishna and Raghav pursuing the same woman, Reena. Now Reena is a journalist and a single parent to Azaan who is the best friend of Sachin, son of Krishna who also happens to be a single parent.
The narrative is pacy and quick. The obvious resemblances to so many American vigilante stories make the story quite predictable. Where the book trails off in my opinion is the context.  Corruption is no longer a huge deal in India.  It does not even make a good election issue; leave alone a novel’s backbone. At present, the social activism against corruption is as good as dead. The opposition is sacrificing a leader after leader on the issue over moral grounds. But the ruling party is doing the opposite. It is rewarding the corrupt and has the support of the people in it. This is where the issue of corruption loses steam. The people of India are not against it.
Nevertheless, this is an outstanding work of fiction and Mukul has done a great job with the narrative. I would strongly recommend it to all patriots who think of a million ways to better the country but never are able to do so.

This review is a part of the Book Reviews Program at http://www.blogadda.com. Participate now to get free books!

Annual Essay Writing Competition, 2013

Presenting, Hope Library's Annual Essay Writing Competition, 2013

 College Students aged 18 years and above can apply

 Participants can submit their online (info@rentbooksonline.in) or post us your entries at
C/o Sigma Agro Industries Pvt. Ltd.
‘Sigma House’, B-23, Focal Point, Metro Road, Ludhiana

 Theme for the essay is a famous quote attributed to Victoria Billings: Rape is a culturally fostered means of suppressing women. Legally we say we condemn it, but mythically we romanticize and perpetuate it, and privately we excuse and overlook it. 

 Ideal word Limit – 2100 - 3700 words

 The essays should be in English language only

 Winners shall be awarded exciting gifts and prizes

 Any attempts at plagiarism will lead to rejection of the entry.

 Last date for submitting your entries –  Monday 18th February, 2013

Note: All submitted entries will become property of the Hope Library and it will have the prerogative to publish the best entries on its blog/website. 

The Bankster Review

Let me begin by saying that The Bankster is a gripping novel. Its written by Ravi Subramanium who has already a bunch of best selling books to his credit. Even though he has a fab record of good books, this is the first book of his that I have read and needless to say, I want to read more of his works. He goes deep into his plots and boomerangs the story with a solid punch of thrill.

We have three story tracks here. One deals with the CIA and its covert activities. Ravi has infused lot of vision and research on this one. Joseph Braganza is supposedly involved in the blood diamond trade in Africa on directions of the CIA. He trades them for arms and ammunition.  The character is what we have already seen in so many western films and novels but still the author makes it look and feel different.

On a parallel note we have Krishna Menon from Devikulam who is fighting for Nuclear Plants Safety in India, specifically for a plant that is close to his home. This sub plot draws references from the Chenobyl nuclear disaster and of the more recently nuclear disaster in Japan when Tsunami caused havoc to one of its nuclear plants. It also throws light on corruption in India and how it impacts young folks like Krishna's son in this story who sees his father being humiliated by the system for no fault of his.

The third and the main plot is Ravi's specialty. The banking sector and its inner workings. However, this one comes out to be very routine. You almost expect a sultry and sexy employee with a egoistic and overbearing boss. You also expect slices of office politics. We also know how to push sales, members of the fairer sex are put forward and the poor ugly guy trails back for lack of beauty and charm. Even though it makes an interesting read, you almost always know what is going to happen next. Except of course, why are so many murders happenings as if we are in John Grisham's novel The Firm? A cashier dies, than a RM and her husband and more murders take place. It just juices up the story in an eerie way.

But the question now arises is how are these three different worlds connected? One is of CIA Agent's covert dealings, other is anti - nuclear protest and these are somehow connected to a bank in Mumbai. It is here that Ravi strikes hard and captivates the reader in his story telling skill. The climax is well researched, well crafted and very interesting. The story unravels bit by bit and you got to savor its every moment till the end as the drama unfolds and the three stories interconnect.

A highly recommended book, especially for all those high fly youngsters who want to make it big and make it big fast. In his own subtle way the author using a simple story has brought to light the underbelly of finance and the financial world.


This review is a part of the Book Reviews Program at http://www.blogadda.com. Participate now to get free books!

Diwali Offer from Hope Library

                                                                    SEASONS GREETINGS FROM

HOPE LIBRARY            &                 GOLDEN CORPORATION

This festive season, come join us as we spread the joys of reading.

• Special 15% Discount on all our plans. Just another excuse to excite up your reading habit. Coupon Code - DUSDIWA

• Security Fee Now Waived Off for 5 year, Relaxed Reader Plan.


Did You Know?

Now you can buy/renew memberships using convenient payment methods like debit cards, credit cards, net banking & mobile banking

Donating Books

As you clean your shelves this Diwali, it is time to donate the old, unused books to Hope Library, which will offer you further discounts on its memberships to you.

Once again, have a great festive season ahead and pass around the word to your fellow readers as well

Reviewing Ashwin Sanghi's The Krishna Key

I have been planning to write a blog on how poorly researched in Indian fiction nowadays. Most of the authors are drawing from their own life or environment. And its a sheer co-incidence that the wonderful people at Blogadda sent me this book - The Krishna Key by Ashwin Sanghi for a review.  This book is rich in research and has a depth that is amazing. The writer has made an enormous effort and it has not gone unnoticed. I just wish that more Indian authors follow the suit.

So that is the prime selling point of this book. I now go back to the start of it. From where, all impressions of books start for us. At least for me.  I don't know what it is with  the people at Westland, they come up with some great and always bluish covers. This one, too is brilliantly designed, with white and golden embossing on the cover. Since I mentioning the name of the publisher here, I must add that in just few years, Westland has catapulted itself at the top among the best of the publishers in our country. They have encouraged authors like Ashwin and Amish Tripathi, into new uncharted territories of Indian literature. Really, kudos to these guys. Their books are packaged well, have good content and apparently they work hard for their books too.

The story is about incarnation of Krishna, and a treasure on whose hunt are both the good and the bad guys. I am not going to write much on the story, for you got to read it to relish it. There is murder, suspense, mythology, action, adventure, everything. It connects you to the stories of Mahabharta, you have probably heard several times in your childhood. The background character of Krishna and his life is wonderfully worded and nicely detailed.  Then there are some masterful illustrations that add to the excitement factor. These illustrations have been effectively used and designed well.

  Unfortunately, I found the book to be slow and predictable too. No doubt, the characters especially Ravi Mohan and Priya are brilliantly etched. But still, that very thing makes it too Ken Follett and Dan Brown. People on a treasure chase, with police hunting them and villains trapping them. Heard it before? Well me too.

So its a fabulous book overall, considering the fact that I rarely enjoy Indian fiction as much as I did this time around. Plus, the genre of the book (hey its just a suggestion) should have been historical fiction rather than a thriller. The book is also well priced at 250, worth the money and time you will spend on it. I have been meaning to add Ashwin's Chanakya Chant to the library for a long time now and finally having read one of his books, I feel I should do that sooner than later.

Happy Reading people

This review is a part of the Book Reviews Program at http://www.blogadda.com. Participate now to get free books!

The Car Accident by Simranjeet Kaur

This entry won the first prize for Hope Library's Short Story Competition, 2012

________________________________________________________________

The Car Accident

This is the true story of my life. And this is the most tragic story of my life till now.

One day, we were very - very happy as it was Sunday. We all were excited as we were going to a picnic.
At that time, we were living at Moga. So, we were getting ready for the picnic. I was the most excited than my other family members.

So at 8 o' clock in the morning, we were at home and we got ready for the picnic.

At last, we locked out home, and then my papa started the car. I, my mother and my two sisters got into the car. I and my younger sister sat at the back and my mother and little sister sat in the front seat. And my papa was driving the car. We were so happy, that I can't tell. But who knows that what will happen after a second also. If there is anybody who knows it then that is God only.

We were talking to each other. I and my sister who was in fourth standard at that time, were talking to each other and were making our discussions for the picnic in car only. We were saying that - we will do this, we will do that ..... when we had passed one fourth distance of the way, my sister got sleepy and went to sleep.

I was creating pictures of the scenes in my mind in which we were enjoying our picnic.

Suddenly, my father told us that we have to go to the petrol pump as petrol was going to finish. So, we went there. After the petrol pump's worker had put the petrol, we again started to the way for our destination.

I was singing songs in the car. After five minutes, such things happened with us which I never expected that this could happen to us. Five minutes before, I was very happy but now, my condition was that my heart is b eating but I am not feeling that. This was happening and felt by me after hearing a blast. And that blast was of our car. Our car had collided with an electricity pole. After colliding with it, our car moved foreword. Thank God ! it moved foreword, otherwise the electrical pole may have fallen on our car as it was broken.

Then first of all after my i.e. our accident, I looked at myself. I was surprised that after this kind of dangerous road accident, I was all right and I didn't got even a single scratch on my body. But I was also surprised after seeing that my clothes were wet with blood. I looked at my sister who was sitting besides me. She had got a little injury at her head. My father's clothes were also wet with blood. He had got injuries on his nose and his lips. But the injuries were not too much as compared  to the blood. Then I and my father tried to open the locks of our car. They were blocked. After trying for some time, we succeeded. I and my father tried to open the lock of my mother's seat's window. It was totally blocked. Then my father broke the mirror and opened the lock. My mother had got serious injury on her face. Blood was flowing continuously from my mama's face. Water was provided to her but when my mother put water in her mouth, it came out from my mama's left cheek. Then I was looking at my sister who was only two years old at that time and was sitting in the lap of my mother. She was all right. She also didn't get a single scratch on her body like me.

Then we rushed to the hospital. Blood was flowing continuously  At last, we reached the hospital.

My father shifted my mother to an emergency ward. Her operation started. We all three sisters were crying continuously. Tears came out from my father's eyes also but my father is very courageous. So, he gave support to us and told us not to cry.Now we had to pay fees also. There was only ten thousand rupees in my father's wallet and my mother's purse. My papa couldn't go anywhere leaving my mama alone.

Then, I felt courageous and dutiful. I told my father that I will draw money from ATM to pay the fees. So after taking keys of my home from my father, I went home. And then, I picked up my 'Activa' and after taking my ATM card, I went to the ATM. Then I drew money from it and came back to the hospital. And then my papa paid the fee. When the operation was over, I and my papa asked the doctor about my mama's health. Then he told us that there is no need to worry, patient is out of danger. But she should be taken under observation for 12 days. After hearing that mama is all right, I felt relief. My father was also looking very happy and contended now. Then he went to meet my mother. She was lying on the bed. She wasn't able to speak due to her stitches that were on her face.Then my  papa called up my aunt i.e. my mother's sister. She was living in Jagraon at that time. After hearing of our accident, she immediately came to Moga. When she saw my mama's condition, tears started coming out of her eyes.

My aunt helped us very much. She stayed with us for 15 days. And then she went home to see her family as her children were also studying in the school only. And then our grandmother came to our home. She also took care of my mother. My mother was not able to speak for a month. And for about 26 days, she laid in bed. Our exams were also there. So, I studied myself and prepared for my exams and in the absence of my mother, I taught my sister also. My father took care of my little sister and did small house - hold works. my grandmother took care of my mother and did other household works.

Gradually, improvement was seen in my mother and for about after two and a half months from our accident,  she was able to do a little work. And after three months, she was able to do any work like earlier.

We were very happy to see my mama like before. My father was the happiest in all of us. And then we started living happily like earlier.

Now, I am in ninth standard, but I can't forget that day, i.e. 2nd October and that difficult time in my whole life. Now, also, if I close my eyes and think about it, the scene of accident, comes in front of my eyes. I don't know that how this accident happened even today. I can forget  any story of my life but can't this one.

- The End