Book Review- There's Something About You by Yashodhara Lal

Title- There’s Something About You 

Source- Goodreads.com

Author- Yashodhara Lal

Blurb- This is not your typical boy-meets-girl story. Okay, they do meet, but there are some complications.

Trish is twenty-eight. She’s unemployed, overweight, single and snarky. She knows all that. And if one more person – just one more person – tries to fix her, she might explode. Sahil is thirty-five. He has superpowers. Well, kind of. He seems to think so, anyway. He’s also hot (okay, in a geeky kind of way, but still). And he plays the guitar, helps the underprivileged and talks about his feelings. Aren’t guys like that supposed to exist only in fantasies?

When Trish and Sahil meet, magic happens. Real magic, you know, like fireworks, electricity, that sort of thing. But here’s the problem. Trish doesn’t want anyone in her life. She has enough to deal with – dependent parents, flaky neighbours, bitchy editors, the works. And yet, Sahil is determined to be in her life.

From the bestselling author of Just Married, Please Excuse and Sorting Out Sid, here is another zinger of a book.

Review- I have read Yashodhara Lal’s previous two books and while I enjoyed reading ‘Just Married, Please Excuse’ because of the humor and wit with which it was written, I found ‘Sorting Out Sid’ run-of-the-mill and a dull read. But with her latest release, ‘There’s Something About You’, Yashodhara Lal has brought the zing and sass back in full force.

The story starts with Trish, an almost-thirty something overweight woman, living with her dependent parents in a small boxed sea-view apartment in Mumbai and working as an online content manager for a daily publication. Her egomaniac and chauvinist boss calls her into his office on a Monday morning and lets her know, in a not-so-nice manner, that they have to let her go because she is not “in-sync” with the new and young ideals of the organization. Out-of-work and desperate to get out of her apartment so that she doesn’t have to deal with her nagging mother, Trish meets Sahil who proclaims that he has a special power.

The ever-pragmatic and sarcastic, Trish, believes that she is not ready to be in a relationship. Will Sahil be able to convince Trish otherwise?

‘There’s Something About You’ is the story of Trish, who after leading an inconspicuous life for the first thirty years tries to find her own calling in life. The plot is not really unique but what makes it a fun and enjoyable read is the Q&A column that Trish gets to answer anonymously as Amy.  The sarcasm and wit with which the author writes that section will make you laugh out loud.

I loved Trish’s character and her ability to be kind and sympathetic despite her cynical attitude in life makes her more endearing towards the reader. The twist in the end left me surprised as it was unexpected and slightly out of context. 

A humorous, enjoyable read that is definitely better than the previous two books from the same author, this book charmed and entertained with its simple plot, witty dialogues and interesting characters.

Rating- 4/5

Book Review- After All This Time by Nikita Singh

Title- After All This Time 

Author- Nikita Singh

Blurb- What if you find out it is end of the road for you? Lavanya gets the shock of her life when she discovers that she's HIV positive. The revelation shakes her out of the monotony that her life has become. It's time for a change. She finally dumps her loser boyfriend, quits her high paying but extremely demanding job and goes back home to meet her family after nearly seven years. At home she finds a bucket list and she knows it's a sign of what she needs to do. With her is an old neighbor and friend who's just broken off with his girlfriend. Sparks begin to fly! However, what she learns is that you really need to live before you begin to love.

Review- This is my first Nikita Singh novel and a reader’s comment that she has written something out of her comfort zone made me pick up her book. I had long back stopped reading Indian novels in romance genre after picking a disastrous book by Durjoy Datta. Though I started reading ‘After All This Time’ with a sense of foreboding, fortunately for me, it was a much pleasant experience and I finished reading it in a couple of days.

The story starts with Lavanya Suryavanshi (I love the last name) who discovers that she is HIV positive and in a bid to really live her last remaining days, she quits her stressful and demanding job in New York and returns back to her parents’ home in Delhi. Here she meets her old friend, Shourya Kapoor and together they embark on a journey to complete the tasks on Lavanya’s bucket list. They also try to mend their broken friendship and help each other to face their problems in life.

The book starts on a promising note and the author has kept the reason why Lavanya ran away from her home after her college a secret that she reveals somewhere midway of the plot. I felt that the narration moved slowly when Lavanya and Shourya start their quest to complete the bucket list tasks with their  bickering and then making-up. But the author picked up the plot again towards the end.

I was glad that there were not too many editing glitches and the narration moved smoothly. Overall a light, enjoyable, breezy read. It was definitely a good and deserved break for me from all the dark, sinister novels that I was feasting on. J

Do give it a try if you are not averse to romance novels from Indian authors.

Rating- 3.5/5

Book Review- Dark Places by Gillian Flynn

Blurb-

Libby Day was just seven years old when her evidence put her fifteen-year-old brother behind bars. Since then, she has been drifting. But when she is contacted by a group who are convinced of Ben's innocence, Libby starts to ask questions she never dared to before. Was the voice she heard her brother's? Ben was a misfit in their small town, but was he capable of murder? Are there secrets to uncover at the family farm or is Libby deluding herself because she wants her brother back? She begins to realize that everyone in her family had something to hide that day... especially Ben. Now, twenty-four years later, the truth is going to be even harder to find. Who did massacre the Day family?

Review- After reading Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn, I was curious to read her previous novels, especially when many had an opinion that her other books- Sharp Objects and Dark Places were better than Gone Girl. Quite obviously my interest was piqued and I wasted no time in placing an order for Dark Places.

The novel starts with the present Libby Day, who has been living her life for the past 24 years in a comatose state supported by the charity funds that people have donated over the years. In the year 1985 her family- her mother and her two elder sisters were massacred by her own brother- Ben Day, in their farm. The circumstantial evidences and Libby’s statement puts her brother behind bars. But many years later Libby is forced to dig into her terrifying memories of the night- that she classified and buried as Dark Places- when her family was slaughtered.

The story alters between Libby’s attempts to find out the truth about the murders and narration of Libby’s mother - Patty Day and her brother- Ben Day on the events leading up to the night of the murders.

The characters that the author creates are messed up and flawed in their own way. But the plot is so riveting that it’s impossible to put down the novel until the truth finally comes out in the end and unlike Gone Girl, the author has tied up all the loose ends in a satisfactory and convincing manner.

After reading Gillian Flynn’s two novels I am convinced that she is the master storyteller of dark, sinister and gripping plots and an expert at creating twisted characters. If you loved Gone Girl, you’ll definitely love Dark Places.

I am excited about watching the movie based on the novel that is scheduled to release in August. You can watch the trailer here.

Read the novel though before watching the movie J

Rating- 5/5

Book Review- Without You by Preethi Venugopala

Source- Goodreads

Blurb- When Ananya, a bubbly twenty-year-old engineering student, reaches her Grandmother's house in Sreepuram on a month long vacation, romance is the last thing on her mind. However, she meets Dr. Arjun there and falls head over heels in love.

As it often happens, the path of true love never runs smooth. Circumstances force them apart even though they were madly in love. She becomes a victim of depression. When everything fails to return her to normalcy, help arrives from an unexpected source. Will she ever find happiness again? Will time allow her heart to heal and forget Arjun? What indeed is true love?

Travel with Ananya to the picturesque Sreepuram, face the chaos of Bengaluru, and relish the warmth of magical Dubai in this heartwarming tale of love, betrayal, friendship, and miracles.

Review- It’s always a pleasure to read a book authored by a friend and a co-blogger and when the book turns out to be an interesting read then the delight increases by manifolds.

I am a regular visitor at Preethi's blog and I enjoy the short stories penned by her. Her Regency romance stories fascinate and make you pine for your own Mr. Darcy.

The story starts with a young twenty-something Ananya visiting her grandmother in Sreepuram. There she falls head over heels in love with the charismatic and handsome Arjun who works as a doctor even though he is the scion of the multi-million dollar company, “Shine Groups”. Preethi has narrated the charm of the small town, Sreepuram, very well and you wish to visit the place to view the scenic beauty depicted through her words.

The warmth and love shared between Ananya and her grandmother is also very beautifully narrated. Circumstances and misunderstandings cause a rift between Ananya and Arjun. Ananya’s grief and pain propels her into a dark depression and she struggles to come to terms with the loss of her love. Preethi has brought out the anguish of heartbreak of a young girl very well through her words.

The plot then follows Ananya’s life and how she overcomes her depression. Will Ananya and Arjun meet again? Will their love find the strength to conquer the hurdles in their path? No, I’m not going to answer the questions. You’ll have to read the book to find out J

I was also fascinated by the chapter where Ananya’s friend explains to her the characteristics of a typical Cancerian male that help to decipher Arjun’s behavior. I could only nod my head in complete agreement while reading the book as I used to devour Linda Goodman’s book when I was in college. I love analyzing people’s personalities through their Sun signs.

The twist in the ending was quite unexpected and something to watch out for. Though I was a little skeptical, Preethi gave a rational explanation and I know quite a few friends who have had similar experiences.

As a debut author Preethi’s first book impresses and entertains its readers through its quirky and fun characters( I loved Tom and Lily’s characters) and the passionate romance between Ananya and Arjun. It is a treat for all romance readers. So pick up the book for reading without any delay.

You can order the book from here- 

http://www.amazon.in/Without-You-Preethi-Venugopala/dp/938418019X/ref=pd_rhf_gw_p_img_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=1ZAKVG8S0AJKRPRB8T0E

You can also read Preethi’s blog here- http://tulipsandme.blogspot.in/

Rating- 4/5

Book Review- Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

On a warm summer morning in North Carthage, Missouri, it is Nick and Amy Dunne's fifth wedding anniversary. Presents are being wrapped and reservations are being made when Nick's clever and beautiful wife disappears from their rented McMansion on the Mississippi River. Husband-of-the-Year Nick isn't doing himself any favors with cringe-worthy daydreams about the slope and shape of his wife's head, but passages from Amy's diary reveal the alpha-girl perfectionist could have put anyone dangerously on edge. Under mounting pressure from the police and the media--as well as Amy's fiercely doting parents--the town golden boy parades an endless series of lies, deceits, and inappropriate behavior. Nick is oddly evasive, and he's definitely bitter--but is he really a killer?

As the cops close in, every couple in town is soon wondering how well they know the one that they love. With his twin sister, Margo, at his side, Nick stands by his innocence. Trouble is, if Nick didn't do it, where is that beautiful wife? And what was in that silvery gift box hidden in the back of her bedroom closet?

Review- I know that this book has been in my TBR list for quite some time now, but I’m slowly getting to each book and I’m really glad that I decided to read Gone Girl. I love thrillers and I absolutely love psychological thrillers. In fact I read the “The Girl on the Train” a few weeks back and though these two books have vaguely similar reading experience both have been brilliantly written and have taut, edgy narrations.

The book begins with the disappearance of Amy Elliot Dunne on her fifth wedding anniversary and all the clues incriminate her husband Nick Dunne. The fact that Amy and Nick’s marriage was falling apart definitely doesn’t help Nick and very quickly Nick is in danger of being arrested and charged with the murder of his wife. But Nick has a completely different and seemingly far-fetched story to tell which unfolds somewhere midway of the book. And this jaw-dropping-twist will shock you and you want to turn the pages faster to read more about the devious mind-games that Amy and Nick play on each other.

I would have given a 5 star rating if it wasn’t for the ending which I DIDN’T LIKE. I know it’s a realistic ending but it’s still difficult to comprehend and you’d be left with an intense desire to shake both Nick and Amy and hurl questions like- “How”, “Why” and “Really?”- at them.

A splendid book, a gripping plot (with a somewhat-disappointing-end) and highly strung protagonists makes the book a must-read. So don’t be like me who waited for so long to read it, go pick it up now J

Rating- 4.5/5

Book Review- HiFi in Bollywood by Rishi Vohra

HiFi in Bollywood by Rishi Vohra

Source- Goodreads

Rayhan Arora’s long cherished dream is to be a filmmaker in the Hindi Film Industry but his formidable father has other plans… a successful financial career in Corporate America, and a marriage of convenience with Vanita, a medical student in the US. 

In a final act of desperation, Rayhan abandons his promising life in California and secretly returns to Mumbai to work as an Assistant Director in Bollywood. The characters he encounters along the way become part of his journey of self-discovery - a self-proclaimed local goon with a penchant for acting; a powerful local politician who wants to marry Rayhan's part-time domestic help, who in turn covets stardom; an angst-ridden, homosexual film director; ego-ridden film stars with twisted agendas; and the mysterious Viola who captures his heart. 

HiFi in Bollywood takes the reader from the streets of Berkeley to the film studios of Mumbai; from red-light areas to police stations, and from reality to dreams and back to reality again!

Review-

All though the Hindi Film Industry is one of largest entertainment businesses churning out colorful, musical films every year, not many books are written about this profession where thousands of young men and women land on its doorstep everyday with starry dreams. Bollywood or HiFi is itself an inspiration to write millions of stories of the people working here. I have loved reading books that are based on the lives of people who are part of this multi-billion industry of cinema. It was with much enthusiasm that I picked up Rishi Vohra’s book and even though I haven’t read his first novel, I know it created lot of good buzz in the literary world.

The story is about a Mumbai boy, Rayhan, who sacrifices his dream to become a filmmaker because of his authoritarian father. After receiving a degree in Finance from a university in Berkeley, Rayhan tries to unsuccessfully land a job and due to recession his career prospects in US looks bleak. When he is forced to accept a marriage proposal from an Indian girl, who he thinks wouldn’t make a correct life partner for him, Rayhan knows that it’s time to take control of his life and follow his dream. The remaining of the story is about his endeavors in HiFi and the characters that he meets on his journey as an assistant film director.

Although the plot is mediocre and gets predictable towards the end, the host of interesting characters that Rayhan encounters keeps the story entertaining. The fact that the author tried to shed light on the lives of people who work behind the camera while filming a blockbuster movie is commendable. I liked the character of SuperSpot, the highly efficient and lightening fast spot boy. The story is fast paced and is filled with antics of the people in Rayhan’s life and how it has an impact on his life.

Overall an interesting weekend read!

Rating- 3.5

Book Review- The Silkworm by J.K. Rowling, Robert Galbraith

The Silkworm by J.K. Rowling, Robert Galbraith

Source- Goodreads

When novelist Owen Quine goes missing, his wife calls in private detective Cormoran Strike. At first, Mrs. Quine just thinks her husband has gone off by himself for a few days—as he has done before—and she wants Strike to find him and bring him home.

But as Strike investigates, it becomes clear that there is more to Quine's disappearance than his wife realizes. The novelist has just completed a manuscript featuring poisonous pen-portraits of almost everyone he knows. If the novel were to be published, it would ruin lives—meaning that there are a lot of people who might want him silenced.

When Quine is found brutally murdered under bizarre circumstances, it becomes a race against time to understand the motivation of a ruthless killer, a killer unlike any Strike has encountered before

Review-

A new novel by J K Rowling creates a lot of hype and excitement and rightfully so. When I read the first book in Cormoran Series- The Cuckoo’s Calling I was totally captivated by the tall, bulky, limping detective with his grouchy attitude and his enthusiastic and pretty assistant, Robin. They make an unusual pair ( not romantically, though I wouldn’t be too surprised if they have a link-up in the following series).

The plot is well devised and Rowling keeps the guessing game of the killer’s identity wrapped in the reader’s curiosity till the very end of the book. The story revolves around the disappearance of an author Owen Quine who has written a controversial book- Bombyx Mori, portraying several big names in the publishing industry in not so very good light. That puts a few people under the suspects list with a very plausible motive. Strike comes into picture when Quine’s wife employs him to find her husband but very soon Cormoran finds himself entangled in the intriguing case.

A complex plot and a host of characters who have a very good motive to kill Quine and at the center of the story, a book that is full of perverse sex and arcane symbolism- it doesn’t get better than this. The book is unputdownable right from the very first page. I found it better than the first book The Cuckoo’s Calling and it does not disappoint Rowling’s fan. I would have given it all 5 stars if not for my feeling that there were some details that went unexplained in the end. I cannot explain much without revealing the plot and I don’t want to spoil the fun. Go ahead and read it, you won’t regret it.

I am eagerly awaiting the next Cormoran Strike novel.

Rating- 4.5 

Book Review-Shattered Dreams (Ramayana: the Game of Life, # 2) by Shubha Vilas

Shattered Dreams (Ramayana: the Game of Life, # 2) by Shubha Vilas

Source- Goodreads

Shattered Dreams is the sequel to the national bestseller, Rise of the Sun Prince, in the new spiritual and motivational series Ramayana - The Game of Life. Twelve joyful years have passed in Ayodhya since the wedding of Rama and Sita at the end of Book 1.

Now, in Shattered Dreams, Shubha Vilas narrates the riveting drama of Rama’s exile. Through tales of Rama’s unwavering and enigmatic persona, the book teaches us how to handle reversals positively; through Bharata’s actions, it teaches us to handle temptation; and through Sita’s courage, to explore beyond our comfort zone. This complicated family drama provides deep insights on how human relationships work and how they fail. 

With Valmiki’s Ramayana as its guiding light, Shattered Dreams deftly entwines poetic beauty from the Kamba Ramayana and Ramacharitramanas, as well as folk philosophy from the Loka Pramana tales, to demonstrate how the ancient epic holds immediate relevance to modern life. Experience the ancient saga of the Ramayana like never before.

Review-

No matter how many times you read mythological stories, they always have new and different pearls of wisdom to impart. The great Indian epics, Ramayana and Mahabharata ,are among such gems that people of all age love listening to the tales of heroism and the righteousness and how good always wins over the evil in the end.

Last year when I read the book Rise of the Sun Prince by Shubha Vilas, which is the first part among the series- Ramayana: The Game of Life #,  I was bowled over by the detailing and the footnotes which enlightens on how the inherent wisdom from the beautiful tale can be imbibed in the present modern day. While the first book concentrated on the birth of Rama and His training under Vishwamitra and ends with Lord Rama’s marriage with Sita, the second book describes in detail about Rama’s coronation as Ayodhya’s king and the following schemes by Manthara and Kaikeyi to halt King Dasaratha’s plans and send Rama to exile.  It also illustrates Rama’s righteousness and his unyielding dedication to carry His father’s orders despite His family’s and His followers appeal to come back and rule His kingdom of Ayodhya.

As I have said before in my review of Part 1 of this series, what makes the book different are the footnotes which are full of wisdom and knowledge on how this great epic can teach us to live a morally correct life. Apart from this, the author, Shubha Vilas also emphasizes on the various virtues of an able leader and his responsibilities towards the people under his government.

The narration is seamless and upholds Rama’s virtues of absolute honesty and his undeterred devotion to His parents. The only drawback I found, compared to the first book in the series, was it seemed slow paced because the first part had a lot of little anecdotes about Rama and Lakshmana’s adventurous journey. I hope the next part of the series introduces Ravana, who forms an integral and interesting character in the great epic. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.

Rating – 4  

Book Review 2015- Jemima J by Jane Green

Jemima J by Jane Green

Jemima Jones is overweight. About one hundred pounds overweight. Treated like a maid by her thin and social-climbing roommates, and lorded over by the beautiful Geraldine (less talented but better paid) at the Kilburn Herald, Jemima finds that her only consolation is food. Add to this her passion for her charming, sexy, and unobtainable colleague Ben, and Jemima knows her life is in need of a serious change. When she meets Brad, an eligible California hunk, over the Internet, she has the perfect opportunity to reinvent herself–as JJ, the slim, beautiful, gym-obsessed glamour girl. But when her long-distance Romeo demands that they meet, she must conquer her food addiction to become the bone-thin model of her e-mails–no small feat. 

With a fast-paced plot that never quits and a surprise ending no reader will see coming, Jemima J is the chronicle of one woman's quest to become the woman she's always wanted to be, learning along the way a host of lessons about attraction, addiction, the meaning of true love, and, ultimately, who she really is.

Review-

I love lists, especially if it’s a list of books- list of books written by women, list of best books of 2014 and it is through one such list (list of best chick lit) that I came across Jemima J written by Jane Green.

The blurb sounded interesting and being labeled as chubby right from my childhood, I could definitely identify with the character of Jemima. Jemima, who tries to drown her loneliness in the comfort of food. Jemima, who despite being witty and intelligent works in the most boring newspaper office and is overlooked by her boss and colleagues.

But when Jemima meets a new man through Internet dating her life changes in a way she never thought possible. She loses all her weight and almost, overnight, turns into a slim, svelte girl who is approached by men and film producers with offers she is not interested in. Now, all though I read through this part of the book of Jemima’s makeover I could not resist rolling my eye more than once. The author made it seem too easy to shed one hundred pounds in few months. Maybe she should have given us more information on how Jemima actually did it.

 I liked the unusual narration style that switched between first person from Jemima’s POV and third person from author’s POV. I guess this gives more flexibility for author to give a peek into other character’s thoughts. Though it was difficult to follow the constant switch in the narration, after few pages I quite liked it.

Overall a light-read book that kept me entertained. Not the best chick lit that I have read but not the worst too.

Rating – 3 Star