Done With Men

Author: Shuchi Singh Kalra

Published By: Indireads

Pages: 140

ISBN: 978-19-278-2632-4

About The Author:

Shuchi Singh Kalra is a writer, editor and blogger based in India. She has been writing since 2005, and has freelanced with popular magazines such as Femina.in, Good Housekeeping, Home Review, Parent & Child, Vista, Dogs & Pups, Women’s Era and Time ‘N’ Style among many others. She also writes a monthly travel column for Investors India. Shuchi is the owner of Pixie Dust Writing Studio, an editing firm that services a global clientele, and the Indian Freelance Writers Blog, which is a fast-growing resource for Indian writers.

Shuchi started dabbling in fiction only recently and her short stories have found a place in anthologies such as Love Across Borders and New Asian Writing’s upcoming collection (to be published in 2014). Done With Men is her first book. Before she took to writing, Shuchi was an Optometrist at one of India’s leading eye hospitals. People thought she was crazy to dump a seemingly good career to become a full-time writer but looking back, she believes it was the best decision she ever made. A self-confessed travel junkie, she now leads a happily nomadic life with her fauji husband and livewire toddler.

Book Blurb:

Travel journo Kairavi Krishna (Kay) has had it with men. After a series of disasters (losers, philanderers, leeches, mama’s boys and possessive psychos), she is all too tempted to give up on the prospect of ever finding love. Accompanied by her best friend and flat-mate Baani, she heads to Goa, hoping to get away with a resolve to stay clear of the male species.

Goa, however, has a host of surprises in store for her. Ricky, her pesky ex-boyfriend, is busy painting the town red with his hot new girlfriend. Now what is poor Kay to do other than overdose on vodka, smoke pot, get an outrageous tattoo and fall off the hotel balcony?

She wakes up in the hospital to the tender ministrations of Dr. Vivian D’Mello—suave and handsome. Will Kay stick to her guns or will she fall for his ridiculously sexy charms? But what’s up with the mixed signals he’s giving out?

Author Interview:

Though I wasn't that lucky to meet the Author, I certainly had the privilege to ask her some questions regarding her book through mail. Here is what she wants to share with you all !!

Me: Before I begin this Interview, let me thank you for bringing up such a wonderful book to your readers. It was really a great experience. Without wasting anymore time let me start the interview.

1. Before I ask anything else, could you enlighten us giving an insight about your book and the characters?

Shuchi: ‘Done With Men’ is all about the romantic (mis)adventures of Kairavi Krishna – serial dater and ditzy girl extraordinaire.  She is a travel writer and is urban, young and…single. After an unfortunate rash of loser boyfriends, she is pretty much done with men and ready to focus on her career. But her latest assignment, to cover Sunburn in Goa, packs more surprises than she bargained for. In the middle of partying, falling off her balcony, food allergies and ex-boyfriend encounters, Kairavi develops a hopeless crush on her dreamy doctor, but she isn’t sure if he would possibly be interested in more than her broken clavicle. And then we have Kay’s best friend Baani, Kapil (Baani’s fiancée), Ravi (Kay’s boss), Ricky (Kay’s latest ex) and the The Thought Bubble (Kay’s alter ego) to add to the mayhem.  From the entire cast of ‘Done With Men’, I love The Thought Bubble the most.

2. “Done with Men” is obviously a fictional book but do the characters have any resemblance in real life?

Shuchi: Though the characters are completely fictitious, they are 100% relatable. There is a good chance that you have someone like Kanjoos Kapil or Bindaas Baani in your friend circle. As for Kay, she is so real that she could easily be one of us. She is the quintessential modern, urban, working girl who anybody could relate to. She loves to travel and is a writer. Like any single girl her age, she is has her own wonky ideas of romance and is clumsy enough to land into trouble at the drop of a hat.  Many of her personality traits are borrowed from people I know.  

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

Shuchi: DWM is my first book but I have been writing professionally for almost a decade now. I have written for several Indian and international publications and businesses, but all thus while I couldn’t ignore the strong urge to author a complete book. Every time I would go to a bookstore, I would imagine a book with my name on the cover sitting on the shelves and visualize myself signing copies for eager readers. It just took me a while to get down to doing it because I had to take a break from my freelance projects and devote all my time to this.

4. Are you a writer by ‘choice’ or by ‘chance’? 

Shuchi: A little bit of both, I guess. I have always been fond of writing since I was a kid – it was something I was good at and I would often pen down my thoughts in a personal diary. While I enjoyed it, I never thought of it as a viable career choice (I come from a generation where everyone was expected to crack IITs and PMTs).  Few people know this, but I was an Optometrist before I took to writing. I worked at a leading eye hospital in India and soon realized that peering into slit-lamps and prescribing glasses wasn’t my thing. I took up some freelance writing assignments to earn some extra money during my internship and only then did I realize the scope of it. Not surprisingly, I quit my job as soon as I could and got into it full-time. My family thought I was crazy to dump a seemingly good and lucrative career prospect to become a full-time writer. But as I look back, I believe it was the best decision I ever made.

5. How does it feel to be an Author? Tell us something about your Pre-Author life and Post-Author life?

Shuchi: It feels great, of course!  DWM has given me the confidence to write more books. It has led me to believe that if I can do it once, I can do it again. And yes, more people know me now so it feels good to have my name out there.

6. What are your favorite books and who is your favorite Author?

Shuchi: There are just too many! I have been a voracious reader since childhood and I never missed a chance to bury myself in a book. From the Bronte Sisters to Enid Blyton, and Shakespeare to Sophie Kinsella, I’ve lapped them all up. I believe that my writing style carries the influence of all the authors I have read till date.

7. Apart from writing, what are your other hobbies?

Shuchi: I love travelling and I would be on permanent vacation if I could afford it. Nowadays I’m quite heavily into gardening and baking.

8. If someday God appears in front of you and you are allowed to ask only 1 wish, what would that be?

Shuchi: A thinner me? I can manage pretty much everything on my own but I just want to know how it feels to be thin .

9. Can we expect another book of yours in near future?

Shuchi: I am working on multiple projects at the moment and I’m not sure which one will hit the shelves first. There is a sequel to DWM in the pipeline, another yet-to-be-named rom-com and a story about a small-town housewife who is struggling to find her identity.

10. There are many aspiring writers trying to get their story published, any advice for them?

Shuchi: I am just one book old so I’m not sure if I am the right person to dole out advice, but I would just say that don’t wait for the perfect moment to write that book cooking in your head. Set a routine, write a few words everyday and FINISH that first draft. Don’t waste time on fancy words and expressions when you are writing – just let the story flow. You can edit and 

pimp it up later. 

11. Lastly, any words for me and my blog???

Shuchi: I love your blog and your reviews… keep going at it!

I'm really thankful to Shuchi for taking out some time from her busy schedule and answering my questions...

My Review:

Done With Men is a book where the protagonist is a girl who had some disastrous relationships before and decides to spend her life all alone; without any partner. This was the first thing that came to my mind when I read the title. Though I may not be entirely wrong, but this book has an interesting story to tell.

The protagonist Kay is a fun, quirky and bubbly type girl who lives her life in a carefree way. She is happy with her present career, though she had sex with her boss a few months back on a trip to Goa. Not just that but she has a disastrous experience with men and relationship. When her boss asks her to attend a festival at Goa and prepare some articles, she gives no second thought but a yes. Breaking up from a relationship just a few days back, she thought this trip will witness a new beginning to her life but there she sees her -ex partying with a new hot girl. This disturbs her and she ends up on bed sleeping with a girl.

So how will her life change? Or will she just end up being Lesbian?? Who is the doctor?? What he has to do with Kay?? * The Doctor will be introduced in the later pages of the book?? What part is he has to play in Kay's life?? Well to know the story, you have to read the book.

I don’t like reading Chick-lit novels. That’s certainly not my cup of coffee. But when a friend of mine mentioned this Novella and sent a .pdf copy of it, I went through the reviews on various sites before reading the book. Well, to be honest, this was my first chick-lit and I wasn’t disappointed.

Likings: It makes you laugh.. Full credits to the Author for writing it in easy and simple language… It won’t make you bore.. Can be finished in one go.

Disliking: It’s a Novella and when you finish the book, you might crave for more.. Use of abbreviated words (You need to check the glossary to know their full forms)

My Rating: 4.5/5

(If you are searching for something to laugh, enjoy and relax, then you must pick this)

Wana Grab a Copy??

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Ri- Homeland of Uncertainty

"Based on National award winning 'KHASI' film"


Author: Paulami DuttaGupta

Published By: Fablery Publications

Pages: 127

Price: 150/-

ISBN: 978-81-928-9373-0




About The Author: 

Born in Shillong, many moons ago, with schooling at Loreto Convent, and an English Honors from St. Edmunds College, Paulami Duttagupta started her career with All India Radio Shillong. She had written and also given her voice to a few shows there. Later she came down to Kolkata and got a post graduate degree in Comparative Literature from Jadavpur University.  She had also taken up a fancy to learning Spanish, but today confesses that she has forgotten most of it.

She has written for ‘The Times of India’ in the ‘Guwahati-Shillong plus Edition’ and also ‘The Shillong Times’. Television had always attracted her and was connected to the Bangla TV industry for about 6 years. She was associated with ETV- Bangla, Akash Bangla and Sony Aath in this period.

Having left her day job in 2012, Paulami took up full time writing. Her first novel, “Pinjar” released in early 2012. Her second novel “Unplanned Destinty” released in 2014. She is also the screenplay writer of the national award winning Khasi film – “Ri Homeland of Uncertainty”.

“Ri” has been adapted into a novel and is releasing in August ’14.

She is currently working on her next project, “After a Decade of Solitude” which will be released in November’14 and writing the script of her second movie as script writer.

Apart from writing full length novels, she has written several short stories and articles. She has also contributed to the “Minds@work Anthology” and the “Family Matters International Anthology” in 2013. Recently she has contributed to the “Learning and Creativity Anthology” and “Her Story Anthology”, a part of Change India Initiative.

When she is not writing or watching movies, Paulami is either reading biographies or classic pieces of literature. Cricket, food, cinema, books and music are an integral part of her life.

Book Blurb:

Ri- Homeland of Uncertainty – “People from this state sacrificed their lives for the sake of freedom for India but who knows about them? These selected chronicles of selected parts of our country, India, has always excluded us, and it hasn’t become self-sufficient yet. For half a century, independent India has only waited for some miracle to happen… and you still have hope?”

Trapped in the limbo between ideology and conscience, Manbha finds himself a part of terror outfit. An unexpected opportunity, anger, squalor and disillusionment – followed by armed combat and injury lead to the soul-searching that forms the substance of this moving tale.

My Review:

Before penning down my take on this book, let me ask you something; have you ever heard about ‘Naxals’. You might have heard a lot about ‘Terrorists’ but Naxals are all together a different group. Cutting it short, Naxals develop within the state whereas Terrorist is a national issue. Presently if you are residing in the north-eastern part of the country or in the states like Odisha, Bihar, Chattisgarh, you must be aware of this Naxals.    

Now speaking of the book, this book speaks the real truth. The protagonist Manbha is brave, angry but has a sensitive heart. The Author has given many examples where you can easily know what type of person Manbha is. It would be completely wrong if I call him a terrorist, he is just like any other freedom fighter deviated in wrong doings in the name of freedom. Manbha wanted freedom for his state Meghalaya but not on the cost of the innocent peoples residing in the state. So how Manbha would get freedom or will he die as a freedom fighter?? What this whole conception of freedom Manbha speaking?? To know, you have to read the book.

Likings: While I was reading this book, the whole incidences were flashing in my front one after the other. I felt as if I am watching a bollywood movie and not just reading a book. Though this book speaks of a Terrorist (read ‘freedom fighter’), it also leaves a message, that guns will not solve problems. They bring more terror and uncertainty in society. Terror can never bring peace. It also tells you about the feeling and emotions of the people living the north-eastern part of our country. You can also clearly see the author’s love for her state.

Dislikings: There isn’t much to dislike about this book. Neither there is anything to enjoy. It speaks of a serious issue and the real truth.

My Ratings: 4.5/5

(If you are a teenager and looking for some lovey dovey books then you shouldn't pick this.. I'm sure this book won't be read by many but to be honest, this book a should/must read for all)

Wana Grab a Copy??

To Buy at Amazon:  Click Here

(Though the Author has provided me with this copy of the book in exchange for an honest review, I was completed unbiased while writing this review.)

Read my review for the other book by the same author here: Unplanned Destiny

Life Is What You Make It by Preeti Shenoy

A tale, at its core a love-story that makes us question our beliefs about ourselves and our concept of sanity     and forces us to believe that life is truly what you make it......

Author: Preeti Shenoy

Published By: Srishti Publishers

ISBN: 978-93-803-4930-5

About The Author:

Preeti Shenoy is an author and an artist based at Bangalore, India. She is among the best-selling authors in India. Listed among the Forbes List of the 100 most influential celebrities of India, Shenoy has varied interests ranging from photography and yoga to sociology. After a brief stay in the UK, Shenoy, who is married and a mother to two children, currently resides in Bangalore. Her latest book, The One You Cannot Have (published by Westland Ltd) released in November and has been gathering enthusiastic, positive reviews from readers. She has also given talks at many prestigious educational institutions, across the country, including IITs and IIMs.

Contact the Author:

Facebook:  Click Here

Twitter:  Click Here

Book Blurb:

What would you do if destiny twisted the road you took? What if it threw you to a place and you did not want to go? Would you fight, would you run or would you accept?

Set across two cities in India in the early eighties, “Life is what you make it” is a gripping account of a few significant years of Ankita’s life.

Ankita Sharma has the world at her feet. She is young, good-looking, smart and has tonnes of friends and boys swooning her. College life is what every youngster dreams of and she also manages to get into a premier management school for her MBA.

Six months later, she is a patient in a mental health hospital.

My Review:

A different book with a different story; unlike other love story book. It will take you into a whole different world and somewhere it will make you feel how your life can change drastically.

The story begins with a prologue where the protagonist, Ankita Sharma lands up in a mental hospital for checking up her mental trauma. The anxiety of Ankita can be felt from the 1^st page itself. Set in 1989, where Doordarshan and letter writing were prominent, the story moves with Ankita writing letters to her school’s best friend Vaibhav and waiting anxiously for his reply. As time passes Vaibhav proposes Ankita and she agrees. As Vaibhav was pursuing his IIT from Delhi and Ankita at Kerala the distance between them made their relationship vulnerable and days later she got emotionally attached to Abhi(whom she had met during college fests)

It was difficult for Ankita to choose between Abhi and Vaibhav and as she was a lot career concerned girl, she chooses her dream i.e. to do MBA from a reputed institute. She almost got whatever she wished for and was very happy with her life.

When everything was going well for her, a day, her parents found the love letters which Vaibhav had written to her and from there the real story begins. Her heart and mind both broke in a big way, she got distracted from her career, she began to feel ill within herself which led to her mental illness. She was in so much mental agony that she even tried to slit her wrist and that too twice…

Well, Will she ever get back to her life again ?? Can she be the same Ankita again after going into such a trauma; to know all, you need to read it and I would suggest you must read it.

Book in one line: A worthy read with a simple story but a different concept which speaks about a less known illness called Bipolar Disorder.

P.S. I have read this book 2 years before, and reading it for the second didn't made me bore.

My Ratings: 4/5

(had I been a blogger that time, I would have rated this book higher)

Wana a grab a copy of the book??

To Buy at Amazon:  Click Here

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A Dilli Mumbai Love Story by Abhimanyu Jha

                                                              "When Love won over Terror"

Author: Abhimanyu Jha

Published By: Srishti Publisher

ISBN: 978-93-803-4933-6

Book Blurb:

2008- The year in which the world became poorer and India less safer, there was a coupe passionately in love, Aniruddh and Apu.

Aniruddh, a Ducati riding, economics loving dude studying in St. Stephen’s college and Aparajita a.k.a Apu, a girl from Goa who loves roadside food and super large ear rings. Opposites in a lot of ways, they fell for each other the instant they met.

But then on a pleasant November night, when India was going to sleep, Aniruddh’s love for his Saanwli Memsaab met a terrifying enemy.

My Review:

I would start my review with a very personal note, this book is one of the best I have ever read. Thanks Mr. Abhimanyu Jha for gifting novel readers with such an awesome gift.

This book isn’t about the love of a Delhite with a Mumbaikar but this book simultaneously speaks of the things happening at Delhi and Mumbai. The Author has deliberately built the story describing the things of his past (at Delhi) and the things happening at present (Mumbai)

This story begins with Aniruddh falling in love with Apu, more or less, it was like love at first sight for both of them. Every couple have fights and arguments and their story wasn’t an exception. But the experienced Aniruddh’s Gill uncle helps the couple in many ways to make their relationship perfect and stable. Then the couple decides to get marry but Aniruddh’s father rejects Apu as she is of different religion. Aniruddh tries his best to make him agree but fails.  Having no other way, Aniruddh then decides to leave his home for the lady whom he loved more than anything else and with that story continues…  

The book has a complete mixture of love and emotions which will make you laugh and even cry sometimes. Once you start reading it, you just can’t put it down until the end.

There are some twists and the climax will certainly make you cry (what will be the use if I say it here, read it to know)

On a personal note, I am disappointment with the author using Hindi words and love being replaced with the symbol of heart. It takes away the flow while reading.

Anyways, I suggest all to must read this book. 

My Rating: 4.5/5 (A Must Pick)

Links to Buy the Book:

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25 Strokes of Kindness

“Witnessing an act of kindness,

Will always warm any person’s heart….”

Author: Nikita Singh and Orvana Ghai

Published By: Grapevine India Publishers

ISBN: 978-93-818-4134-1

Other Contributors:

Asfiya Rahman, Anjali Kripalani, Arashitaa Sehrawat, Arushi Pathak, 

Drishti Dasgupta, Himanshu Chhabra, Husna Advani, Ishita Das, 

Kalyani Manojna, Namrata, Naman Kapur, Nanya Srivastava, 

Nikhil Khasnabish, Nikita Singh, Paromita Bardoloi, Ricardo Vaz, Parul Tyagi, 

Pernasi Malhotra, Preeti Shenoy, Prity S, Rafaa Dalvi, 

Renuka Vishwanathan, Ruchika Thukral, 

Sachin Garg, Sakshi Budhia, Shomprakash Sinha Roy

My Review:

25 Strokes of Kindness is a book consisting of 25 short stories each telling an act of kindness.

The moment I saw there is a new book of my favorite author Nikita Singh; the author whom I love, respect and admire, without any second thought  I grabbed it for100 bucks.

It rusted on my book shelf for a week or so because I do not read collection of short stories, it always disappoints me. Anthologies generally are not so descriptive and it leaves you guessing the never ending part.

This Saturday after dinner when I opened the book with no excitement, the first story ‘OUROBOROS’ by "Nanya Srivastava" astonished me. I had never expected that such a story could be a part of an anthology.

I moved, this time with a little more excitement to the next story, ‘Is it Kinder to Give or Receive’ by “Asfiya Rahman”, it made me speechless again. It was something different, something unique which I had never read before.

And then there was now time looking back, I spent the whole night reading the book and I must say, this book is really worth reading. It made me cry, smile, and overjoyed too.

All the stories are really worth reading. I have some personal favorites;

‘Pentimento’ by “Rafaa Dalvi” ; ‘Fifteen minutes’ by “Nikita Singh” ; 

‘The Lost Girl’ by “Arushi Pathak”  and many others in fact all.

The only story that disappointed me was, ‘Six Rupees’ by “Husna Advani” ; the ending somewhat is confusing..

P.S: Its a fact that Nikita Singh is my personal favorite but still I never got biased while writing the review..

My Rating: 4.5/5 (obviously, A Pick)

Links to Buy the Book

To Buy at Amazon:  Click Here

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When Strangers Meet by K.Hari Kumar

 "Sometimes all it takes is a stranger's tale to bring your life back on track..."

Author: K.Hari Kumar

Published By: Srishti Publishers 

ISBN: 978-93-803-4993-0

Book Blurb:

What happens when Jai is stranded at the Metro station with an irritating stranger called Iyer & a mysterious Pathan???

How will the tale from Iyer’s past affect Jai’s future??

And why does the mysterious Pathan keep staring at Jai??

What happens when inside that small room of the Metro station??

Nobody believes Jai when he claims that ‘He was there!’ people think he is crazy. But is he???

About The Author:

K. Hari Kumar is working as an Assistant Director in the Indian film industry. He has written, acted and directed four independent projects that have been screened in various film festivals.

Short Interview With the Author:


First of all I am really thankful to you for giving me a chance for interviewing you..


Considering myself really lucky I would like to start my interview...

Me: Could you kindly give us an insight about your book and its main characters??

K.Hari Kumar: When strangers meet is the story of how the story of a stranger's life can have a lasting impact on another. Its 3 characters Iyer, Jai & Pathan reflect the different kind of people existing in our society.

Me: If I am not wrong this is your first book, so what really inspired you to write this book?

K.Hari Kumar: Yes this is my first book and just the passion to tell stories inspires me

Me: "When Strangers Meet" is a fictional book but the readers would like to know how much of the book is realistic??

K.Hari Kumar: The first 40 pages are autobiographical, after that it takes the fictional route...

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

K.Hari Kumar: Definitely by choice; as a kid, I was always fascinated by stories of Sherlock Holmes, and then the ultimate blow was struck when I read Dan Brown's The Da Vinci Code

Me: How does it feel being an author, tell us a little about your life; before and after the book has been published??

K.Hari Kumar: When you hold that first book in your hand, that is the only time a  man can come close to giving birth to a child...

Me: Who is your favorite author(s)??

K.Hari Kumar: Dan Brown, Paulo Coelho, Michael Crichton, David Baldacci, Albert Camus and myself

Next Question is related somewhat to your book

Me: If given a chance, which famous person, living or dead would you like to meet and why?

K.Hari Kumar: Alfred Hitchcock maybe

Me: You are really a multi-talented person so what are your other passions apart from writing???

K.Hari Kumar: bit of photography & screenwriting mostly

Me: There are many who are trying to have their stories get published. So what advice would you give to aspiring writers?

K.Hari Kumar: Keep writing, do not be too desperate... have lot of patience...

Me: I don't want to take a lot of time from you so my last question is Q.10- When everybody else is busy reading and writing a love story, what made you write an entirely different kind of story???

K.Hari Kumar: Most of my contemporary writers write in the familiar genre of romance... nothing made me choose a different genre... it just had to happen that way... Just the thing that makes me 'the Stranger'

Me: Thank you very much for taking out some time from your busy schedule and giving me a chance for interviewing.. It was really such an honor for me that I can't even express.. so any words for me and my blog ???

K.Hari Kumar: Thank you Santosh for considering me worthy...  Just keep working hard on your dream... coz only you can achieve your dream... I wish you all the very best

Me: Thanks a lot Sir....  

*end of the interview*



My Review:

“When Strangers Meet” is a story about two stranger; a boy and a girl who bumps into each other at a metro station and from being stranger they fall in love with each other…

This was the first thing that came to my mind when I picked the book. And perhaps this will be the first thought for many who judge book looking into its cover or title. But this novel by K.Hari Kumar is an exception.

This story is about 3 strangers;

• A poor Pathan who sells tea for his living with his elder son, somewhere near the highway.

• A teenage kid, Jai who runs away from his home because his father had decided to join him in an engineering college while he had dreamed of something else.

• Third and perhaps the most important character of the story, “Iyer, Krishnaprasad Iyer” who is regretting for the things which he have done in his past.

The three of the strangers meet in a small resting room of Ghittorni Railway Station, somewhere near Delhi. The story moves with Iyer narrating his past to Jai as Jai’s present was more or less like Iyer’s past. After hearing Iyer’s story, Jai realizes the mistake which he was trying to commit and decides to not repeat the things which Iyer had did in his life.

This is not the end, the story has a twist, page.180 might make you confused and speechless. (Read it to know it. What will be the use if I tell it here..)

This Author has presented the entire story in a simple yet beautiful manner. He has also described the love and affection bond between a father and his son.

If you are thinking of any love story or something on lust then this book might not attract you, but if you like something different to read then this is, “Must a Pick”

“ Three men, One fateful day,                   

                  A small room, And a story of lifetime….”

My Ratings : 4.5/5 (A Must Pick)

Links to Buy the Book: 

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Never Let Me Go by Sachin Garg

Author: Sachin Garg

Publisher: Grapevine India 

ISBN: 978-93-818-4100-6

Book Blurb:

On being kicked by life, harder than he ever imagine, Samar had three options:

• He could look life in the eye and fight back
• He could succumb and do something that would haunt him forever
• He could flee to a place where there were no traces of the blow he had received.

About The Author:

Sachin Garg is one of the highest selling authors in India. His books have been covered by many mainstream media and continue to feature on most bestseller lists.

The names of his books are:

I'm Not Twenty Four. I've Been Nineteen for Five Years
First Love. Just Like the Last One
Never Let Me Go


He is also an entrepreneur, Founder of Grapevine India Publishers Pvt Ltd, considered the only company to have made a huge mark on the Indian Commercial Publishing scene in several years. He has been featured by Hindustan Times, Times of India, Aaj Tak and most prominent media.

My Views:

When you hold a love story book, it simply means it has to make you cry. Well this book will definitely leave drops of tear when you finish reading.
The protagonist of the story is Samar Garg and the story revolves around him, his girl-friend and his struggle. Kanika, Samar’s girl-friend is sweet, simple and beautiful. They were a lot happier in each other’s company. The love between them was totally lovey dovey type and life was all beautiful for them. Samar never wanted anything more from his life as he was having a drop dead gorgeous girl as her life partner. 

But then life twisted for Samar. All of his dreams and happiness were devastated when he found Roy(Samar’s roommate) kissing Kanika in their apartment. Before Kanika or Roy could make him understand the situation, he was completely broken and took a train to goa; as he was trying to run from his life.

Just in a day, his whole life changed, he lost interest in living and in search of solace he started working in a shack located at an unknown beach of goa. He met with another girl, Navya Sharma and they became friends; or perhaps just a need of each other. Navya fell in love with Samar but for Samar, she was only a friend.

After knowing Samar is in Goa, Kanika decided to meet Samar and clear everything between them. She went Goa in search of Samar to clear the misunderstandings between them and to make him come back into her life.

So what destiny has in its store for Samar. Well to know, you have to read the book...

My Ratings: 4.5/5

Links to Buy the Book:

To Buy at Amazon:  Click Here

To Buy at Flipkart:  Click Here

2 States

Author: Chetan Bhagat

Publisher: Rupa Publications

ISBN: 978-81-291-1530-0

Book Blurb:

Love marriages around the world are simple”

Boy loves girl; girl loves boy; they get married.

But, in India there are few more steps

Boy loves girl; girl loves boy;
Girl’s family has to love boy;
Boy’s family has to love girl;
Girl’s family has to love boy’s family & vice versa.
Still, girl and boy love each other;
They get married.

About The Author:

About the Author: Chetan Bhagat worked as an Investment Banker in Hong Kong after graduating from IIM-A where he met his wife, Anusha. 

He is the author of six bestselling novels, one of which is 2 States. His novels Five Point Someone, One Night @ The Call Centre and The 3 Mistakes of my Life have all been successfully adapted into movies. He is also a columnist and a speaker.

My Views:

I seriously do hate Chetan Bhagat. Being a writer he should concentrate more on his writings than on any other things. But as far as his writing his concerned I love his works. 2 States will always be one of my favorite and if you are new to this reading world then you must start with this book. 
The protagonists of this story are Krish & Ananya and the whole story revolves around them. The story begins in a dramatic way as Krish narrates his life's story to a doctor precisely, a psychiatrist. Krish meets Ananya for the very first time at IIMA canteen's mess where the latter was having an argument with the head chef. It was more or less like a love at first sight for both of them. Few days later after their first meet and some group studies both realized their love for each other. And very soon they became inseparable love couple. But as it is said, in India love marriages are not as simple as it looks like; things for them also started becoming tough.

As Krish is a guy from North India, his family was in search of a rich girl who can bring loads of dowry to their family. Indeed it is Krish’s mother who wanted a Punjabi girl so that she could boast about it to her relatives and to the society of which she is a part..
On the other hand, Ananya’s father (a typical South Indian) was trying to get her marry with a boy who works in a foreign country and earns a respectable amount of salary.Since both the families belonged to two different states, their taste varied.

So to convert their love story into a love cum arrange marriage they had to fight a tough battle in making their parents agree. And ultimately, love wins…

A perfect, sweet and romantic love story which will take you to the real Indian society; a cheap mentality society where caste and kundli are being more preferred to love and life..

Read or No Read: I would say, a must read Novel


My Ratings: 5/5
(A must read for all)

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