Panorama by Shilpi Chaklanobis

Author: Shilpi Chaklanobis

Published By: Notion Press

Pages: 144

Price: Rs. 150

ISBN: 978-93-520-6966-8




About The Author:

Shilpi Chaklanobis hails from the beautiful city of Kanpur and has spent the majority of her adult life in Delhi. She currently heads the Digital Marketing division at an MNC. The amalgamation of her years spent amongst the quiet, calm streets of a small city and the hustle and bustle of a metropolitan like Delhi has lent her a unique perspective towards life. She aims to translate her experiences and understanding of human relationships into stories that not only move people but also resonate with them. She believes that the beauty of a story lies within its ability to be interpreted by the reader in the way they desire as is evident from her writing. Apart from writing, she spends her time devouring books by the dozen. This is her first endeavor as a writer and her writing not only shows promise, but also has a sense of sensitivity that compels you to think about the lives you touch every day.

Book Blurb:

A turbulent relationship between a mother and a daughter takes a sudden turn when the daughter stumbles across a past that she never knew.
The golden period of a professor's life is tainted by questions about his purpose until one night gives him all the answers he needs.
Desperate times test us all but when hunger drives a girl to do the unthinkable, her life changes forever.
Woven around the lives of the people around us - the shy girl on the metro, your domestic help, your neighbors and perhaps even you - this collection of short stories will take you on a bittersweet journey that explores the spectrum that is part of any human relationship and all the complexity and chaos that secretly dwell within the homes and hearts of India.
Often laced with an element of introspection, the stories are sure to change the way you see the world around you...

My Review:

Some like reading short stories and some don’t. I fall into the latter category. An anthology of short stories is certainly not my cup of coffee. But after reading this book, I have only one thing in my mind: good short stories are enough to alter your emotions. This book lets you ponder over the things which you see or feel in everyday life but usually take it for granted. As the author has mentioned, this book will certainly touch your lives and would change the way you see the world around you.
Panorama is an anthology of 15 short stories. Well the review would be long if I describe every story, so let me make it short and tell you about the stories which made me fall in love with this book.

The first chapter ‘Wok’ is an emotional story between a mother and her daughter. It speaks of love and care. This story is one of my favorite story from the book and it really provides a great start to the book. After reading this story, my brain urged me to turn the pages.

The second chapter, ‘Peanut’ is a story of a little Pomeranian. Every dog lover in this world can easily connect with the story. Just like the first story, this story has a perfect blend of love, care and emotions.

The third chapter, ‘The Thirst’ is again a story between a girl and her mother. This story has an abrupt end and might make the reader clueless. I didn’t like the story. Well while reading an anthology, you can’t expect every story to be great.

Now let me jump to the end of the book. The final chapter, ‘The Sealed Wish’ was perhaps the best from the pen of Author. A perfect end to an anthology. Beware! this story might make you cry.

The way author has narrated every story is commendable. The best thing about this book is, it has stories of different genres. Every other person can connect with the stories. Seriously this book is a page turner and never a reader would get bored. The book has only 134 pages and a perfect weekend read. If you are someone who is looking for some light read, then this book would be complete worth your bucks.

Likings: Easy and Simple language, Short Chapters, Page Turner, Twists in the stories (not all but some)
Disliking: Minor Errors, Lack of Editing

Overall: Well, I haven’t read an anthology better than this. A Must Pick.

My Rating: 4.5/5

Wana Grab a Copy:


Click on the image provided below:

Meet The Author: Pavithra Ramesh

Pavithra Ramesh is a graduate from Mount Carmel College, Bengaluru, looking ahead to pursue her MBA in International Business and Finance. She has been an excellent academic performer emerging as the second topper in school (Commerce Stream) in her CBSE Board exam. Commitment and perseverance is her basic mantra. While based in Dubai, she has written many articles for a Sharjah daily newspaper. She has been the PR Event head of the Commerce Core Team in College and an active participant in cultural programmes in the field of dance. She has also participated in National Level Business Fests. She was a member of the entrepreneurship cell in college and was involved in the editorial team of Bengaluru e-cell. Writing is her passion. She now ventures with her first book ‘No Time to Pause’.  She believes that desire is the best driving force to success and trusts her instincts to find her goals and aspirations.

After reading her book 'No Time to Pause', I got a chance to interview the Authoress. And here is what she has to say about her book....

Q. Before we start the interview, can you please enlighten us about the Book and the Characters of the story?

A. Firstly I would like to thank you for the interview. Regarding my book, ‘No Time to Pause’ is a narration of a typical college student who decides to stay miles away from her family to get value education. She faces a host of challenges, encounters varied adventures and meets people who leave a tremendous impact on her life.

With the college term ending, she leaves the institution not only as an academic achiever, but also a strong woman ready to face the rough world out there. She realises that life keeps moving on and there is no time to look back or regret.

The protagonist, Pari, sets to live alone and meets this peculiar character Aditi whose actions are tinged by her past. The two of them are the main characters of the book around whom the story revolves.

Q. If I’m not wrong this is a fictional book but how real are the characters? And which one is your favorite?

A. Yes. the crux is fiction but the book has autobiographical parts and to a certain extent resemble living beings in the life of the author.

Though not completely, the characters are real only with regard to their appearance and background. 

My favourite is the fictional character Aditi who mirrors my thoughts and perceptions.

Q. Tell us about your favorite authors. What book or books did really inspired you?

A. I like Preeti Shenoy. Inspiration comes from every written piece and I have had it from the time I read books of Enid Blyton.

Q. This is your first book, so what made you to step into the creative world of writing?

A. I always loved writing. I often wrote small articles. This developed into an urge to try out something big. That is how I landed up with my first book.

Q. How does it feel being an Author? Can you tell us a bit about –pre and –post Author life?

A.It feels great to be an author. Who does not like doing something which brings recognition? As such there is not much difference in my pre and post author life. But yes, once I began with my venture, I realised that there is a lot to learn. I am becoming stronger with criticism. Moreover, after being an author I became aware that I need to keep improving my skills to reach out more efficiently to the readers.

Q. So are you Writer by 'choice' or 'chance'? And also tell us the reason behind it.

A. Well choice and chance go hand in hand in my case. I always wanted to write but never expected to turn up as an author. My first book is not a literary extravagance, but just an attempt to share my experiences. So yes, it was a chance as well.

Q. Sorry for asking this, but have you been rejected for your work (book)?

A. Rejection is a part and parcel of life. I wouldn't say my work was rejected but there was no clear response from many publishers I had approached before I got my hands on Half Baked Beans.

Q. Can we expect another book from your pen in near future? If yes, anything you want to disclose about it?

A. Yes. I would be working on my next book once the genre and plot are ready. 

Q. Tell us something that we don’t know about, Pavithra Ramesh.

A. Not many know that I am a dancer as well. I have been a part of various cultural programmes since childhood. I also have a love for fashion and often check out new outfits and makeovers. 

Q. If not reading or writing, what else do you like to do?

A. As I mentioned I love dance and keep a check on fashion blogs and DIYs. It keeps me going.

Q. Before ending this, I would request you to give some advice to the aspiring writers who want to be an author...

A. I would like to say start immediately. There is no point in procrastination. If you feel you have a passion for writing, begin with maybe small write ups and nurture your skills. And as I always say, follow your heart since intuition never betrays.

--- The End---

To read my complete review of the book, 'No Time to Pause', Click Here

No Time to Pause

Author: Pavithra Ramesh

Published By: HALF BAKED BEANS

Pages: 130

Price: Rs. 189

ISBN: 978-93-843-1527-6





About The Author:

Pavithra Ramesh is a graduate from Mount Carmel College, Bengaluru, looking ahead to pursue her MBA in International Business and Finance. She has been an excellent academic performer emerging as the second topper in school (Commerce Stream) in her CBSE Board exam. Commitment and perseverance is her basic mantra. While based in Dubai, she has written many articles for a Sharjah daily newspaper. She has been the PR Event head of the Commerce Core Team in College and an active participant in cultural programmes in the field of dance. She has also participated in National Level Business Fests. She was a member of the entrepreneurship cell in college and was involved in the editorial team of Bengaluru e-cell. Writing is her passion. She now ventures with her first book ‘No Time to Pause’.  She believes that desire is the best driving force to success and trusts her instincts to find her goals and aspirations.

Book Blurb:

Life of a young adult is filled with joy and mystery. 'No Time to Pause' is a narration of a typical college student who decides to stay miles away from her family to get value education. She faces a host of challenges, encounters varied adventures and meets people who leave a tremendous impact on her life. With the college term ending, she leaves the institution not only as an academic achiever, but also a strong woman ready to face the rough world out there. She realises that life keeps moving on and there is no time to look back or regret.

My Review:

Well the book blurb tells a lot about the story. This book speaks of life experiences of a young girl, especially about her college life.

Pari, protagonist of the story is a college student who joins a private college in Bangalore, far away from her home, Dubai. She then joins a PG, meets with other girls and forms a formidable bond. It is then she meets Aditi. Aditi has a story to tell and her story is something that would make the reader turn the pages of the book. 

So who is Aditi? What does she has to do with story? Well to know everything, you have to read the book. It would be unfair to the author if I describe the entire story here.

To be honest, I was confused who the main protagonist of the story was. Though the story mainly revolves around Pari, Aditi too has an important part to play. If you guys are looking for a light read then you would love reading this book. But lack of strong, intense contents would be a 'No-No' among the novel freaks. 

Well, if you someone who is new into the world of books then you would love to read this book and dive into the world of energetic and enthusiastic bunch of girls.

The story is slightly fast paced. Many a times I felt as if the characters are in a hurry to complete their part.

Likings: Easy Read, Chick Lit, Page Turner, Could easily be finished in a couple of hours.

Disliking: The characters are in a hurry to finish the story, Lack of editing, One time read.

My Rating: 3/5
(Chick Lit lovers would love it, intense reader might get upset)

Wana Grab a Copy?

Click on the image given below:

Though the Authoress has provided me a reviewer's copy of the book, I was completely unbiased while writing my review.