Honor Among Thieves - Jeffrey Archer

Spring 1994, Washington, D.C. - While the Clinton Administration grapples with its domestic policies, a sinister plot is being masterminded six thousand miles away in Baghdad. By using $100 million as bait and spinning a deadly web of corruption, forgery, and terror, Saddam Hussein seeks to embarrass the U.S. with the ultimate revenge: to steal a treasured historical document and then destroy it before the world's media-on July 4, 1994.

As the countdown to Independence Day begins, two agents stand in the way of his nearly flawless plan: Scott Bradley, a rising star in the CIA who is desperate to prove his patriotism, and Hannah Kopec, the stunning Mossad operative who has already lost so much that she fears nothing and trusts no one. Their unrelenting quest to prevent what would undoubtedly be the most humiliating day in U.S. history takes them across four continents and climaxes in a dramatic, triple-twist ending.

Ingeniously plotted and as up-to-the-minute as today's headlines, Honor Among Thieves resonates with the brilliant pace that is the trademark of master storyteller Jeffrey Archer.

Jeffrey Archer

Review:

Well thats surely a worth a fortune.Found this book in a old book store and couldn't resist buying it.The story takes off from the word 'go' and never once lacks pace.Scott's adventures in Baghdad and Colonel Kratz's skills are a treat to read.The selfless Cohen and the Kurd Aziz sacrifice their lives to get the 'American Declaration of Independence' safely back home.To think that all such sacrifices and blood shed are just for a fake copy makes you feel helpless and pity.

Archer had done well not to go deep into Scott - Hannah love story and hence losing the plot.He has kept it simple and crisp.The scene where Hannah poisons Scott and then realises her mistake,only too late, is an epic.The earlier scenes where the Cavallis come up with a near perfect plan to steal the 'Declaration of Independence' and also execute it perfectly are something special.

Brilliant portrayal of Saddam,the Iraqi President, and his cruel rule and the sufferings of the people even instils fear in our minds.

Well written and easy to get carried away for hours at a time.

Rating: 4.3/5

A Matter of Honor - Jeffrey Archer

It seems innocent enough. A disgraced British colonel bequeaths a mysterious letter to his only son. But the moment Adam Scott opens the yellowing envelope, he sets into motion a deadly chain of events that threatens to shake the very foundations of the free world.

Within days, Adam's lover is brutally murdered and he's running for his life through the great cities of Europe, pursued not only by the KGB, but by the CIA and his own countrymen as well. Their common intent is to kill him before the truth comes out. While powerful men in smoke-filled rooms plot ever more ingenious means of destroying him, Adam finds himself betrayed and abandoned even by those he holds most dear.

When at last he comes to understand what he is in possession of, he's even more determined to protect it, for it's more than a matter of life and death-it's a matter of honor.

Jeffrey Archer

Review:

My first Jeffrey Archer book.The 400 pages of this book hardly seems big enough.The pace of the story is so fast that you wonder how you have read so many pages in just a few hours.Wherever Scott goes, Romanov follows and he is such a cold - blooded agent.But not good enough for Scott. The furious pace of the story makes you wonder if you are actually seeing a movie.

The characters are well - developed and the mystery well - maintained.Adam is running from everyone and doesn't know who to trust as the book continues, and halfway through we are finally allowed to know the full significance of what he has in his possession. No wonder the CIA and the KGB are after him! (This is June of 1966.) So not only does he not know who to trust, the readers are kept in the dark while English, American, and Russian agents come at him from all directions. He survives because of his military training even though he had to re-sign because he early on found out it was going nowhere.

Rating: 4.2/5

Tell Me Your Dreams - Sidney Sheldon

Ashley Patterson is a beautiful, shy, lonely computer whiz, and is convinced she is being stalked. Coworker Toni Prescott is a gorgeous Brit with a penchant for internet dating and little time for anyone else. And Alette Peters prefers her weekends quiet and in the arms of a beefcake artist. They know virtually nothing about each other -- until the three women are linked by a murder investigation that will lead to one of the most bizarre trials of the century.

Review:

Sidney Sheldon

Lovely young ladies who work for Global Computer Graphics in Silicon Valley are charged  in the brutal murder and mutilation of five more or less nice men. Although confusing, the evidence against them seems perfect and by the time the case goes to trial we know who done it, but not until the story is nearly finished will we understand why.

Considered to be one of the first books to touch on 'MULTIPLE PERSONALITY DISORDER' and the way the author has gone about with an entirely new concept deserves an applause. A must - read book for everyone.

Rating : 4.4/5

Revolution 2020: Love, Corruption, Ambition - Chetan Bhagat

Once upon a time, in small-town India, there lived two intelligent boys.
One wanted to use his intelligence to make money.
One wanted to use his intelligence to create a revolution.
The problem was, they both loved the same girl.

Welcome to Revolution 2020. A story about childhood friends Gopal, Raghav and Aarti who struggle to find success and love in Varanasi. However, it isn't easy to achieve this in an unfair society that rewards the corrupt. As Gopal gives in to the system, and Raghav fights it, who will win?


From the bestselling author of Five Point Someone, one night @ the call center, The Three Mistakes of My Life and 2 States, comes another gripping tale from the heartland of India. Are you ready for the revolution?

Chetan Bhagat

Review:

A bad plot from Chetan set in one of the most holiest places in India.The story is about triangular love and the corruption that is slowly sucking the life force out of the country. Students' pressure to meet their parents' expectations is well brought - out. Chetan tries to prove the point that the best way to make money in India at present is to open an engineering college. But Chetan seems to lose the plot when he tries for an unnecessary and unimaginable twist at the end.Aarthi's character is ill - developed and its not a wonder if Chetan loses some of his girl fans after this book. Gopal is a typical Indian rural guy who is burdened by his father's expectations though he really has no interest in engineering.Raaghav is a geek and manages to clear IIT entrance and joins BHU. Arthi's pendulum mind swings from Gopal to Raaghav and keeps swinging as the story progresses. The Revolution that Raaghav talks about is not well - defined and makes one think if it has been crammed into the book just for additional spice. The book or the characters have nothing to do with the Revolution that Raghav tries to bring in 2020. The final twist, as they call it is peak madness and I put down the book in disgust.

Rating: 1.4/5

2 States: The Story of My Marriage - Chetan Bhagat

Love marriages around the world are simple:

Boy loves girl. Girl loves boy.
They get married.
In India, there are a 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. Boy's family has to love girl's family.
Girl and Boy still love each other. They get married.

Welcome to 2 States, a story about Krish and Ananya. They are from two different states of India, deeply in love and want to get married. Of course, their parents don’t agree. To convert their love story into a love marriage, the couple have a tough battle in front of them. For it is easy to fight and rebel, but it is much harder to convince. Will they make it? From the author of blockbusters Five Point Someone, One Night @ the Call Center and The 3 Mistakes of My Life, comes another witty tale about inter-community marriages in modern India.

Chetan Bhagat

Review:

The best from Chetan Bhagat so far.Finished the book in just one - go.So beautifully written and the characters of Krish and Ananya are well brought out.Chetan's claim that its his trus story has only helped to increase the market - value of the book.The diverse culture and people of different states in India  are great to read.Krish's experience in Chennai would have been a super - hit scene if it is taken right out of the book and placed in a Bollywood movie.So humour filled are these incidents that you almost laugh out every few seconds. This book is a light, quick, fun read and is certainly infinitely better than Three Mistakes of My Life.

Bollywood masala is oozing in every page.Krish, a Punjabi and Ananya, a Tamilian fall in love with each other.Their romance makes readers wish they love someone so deeply and truly like them.The numerous hurdles they face and their strong will to overcome them and marry each other forms the core of the story.Once again Chetan's easy style makes for an easy - read and you do not need to have a dictionary by your side.

Chetan could have omitted the unnecessary taboo words used all over the book.


Overall -  "Welcome to the world of Indian Marriage System".

Rating: 3.2/5

The 3 Mistakes of My Life - Chetan Bhagat

In late-2000, a young boy in Ahmedabad called Govind dreamt of having a business. To accomodate his friends Ish and Omi's passion, they open a cricket shop. Govind's wants to make money and thinks big. Ish is all about nurturing Ali, the batsman with a rare gift. Omi knows his limited capabiltiies and just wants to be with his friends. However, nothing comes easy in a turbulent city. To realize their goals, they will have to face it all - religious politics, earthquakes, riots, unacceptable love and above all, their own mistakes. Will they make it? Can an individual's dreams overcome the nightmares offered by real life? Can we succeed despite a few mistakes?

Chetan Bhagat

Review:

Another flopper from Chetan Bhagat. Things that are considered taboo in India are written without any hesitation claiming that is the reality. Why do authors always look at negative India and develop their plots around such things? Such ingredients are fast - becoming tools for effective marketing among readers.This book traverses the life of three friends Govind, Omi and Ish trying to make their lives a success, with what they like and know the best, cricket.

Vidya, the love - interest of Govind is Ish's sister.The way Govind approaches Vidya and their subsequent developments in their romance makes you throw the book and scream,"All guys are not like that".The worse portrayal of a character Ii could ever imagine. To look at the few positives, the present condition of the heart of India is well brought - out. Communal and religious riots , thugs with dangerous weapons, murders - they all happen like morning breakfast.The religion parts are contrived, the way Bhagat examines the Hindu- Muslim problems, the Ayodhya issue etc, is pathetic. He seems to think that a few swear words, a few wise words, a few mob fights finish the picture.And the three mistakes - well thats just a way to make readers grab the book.After I finished the book, I don't even remember what the three mistakes are!To be honest, its just worth a Bollywood entertainer.

The worst book from Chetan so far.Waste of time! Please do not read this book unless you don't have any other choice. 

Rating: 1.3/5 

One Night @ the Call Center - Chetan Bhagat

In winter 2004, a writer met a young girl on a night train journey. To pass the time, she offered to tell a story. However, she had a condition: that he make it into his second book. He hesitated, but asked what the story was about. The girl said the story was about six people working in a a call center, set in one night.
She said it was the night they got a phone call.
That phone call was from God.
Welcome to one night 2 call center, another witty, dark novel from the award-winning author of the national bestseller Five Point Someone.
Are you ready to take the Call?

Chetan Bhagat

Review:

 An utter disappointment from Chetan Bhagat.I was quite carried away by Chetan's reputation that I never realized it was the worst book I had read, till I completed half the pages. Well, to begin with,the characters were quite ordinary.The novel revolves around a group of six call center employees working in Connexions  in Gurgaon, Haryana. It takes place during the span of one night, in which all of the leading characters want their lives to change.Told through the eyes of the protagonist, Shyam, it is a story of almost lost love, thwarted ambitions, absence of family affection, pressures of a patriarchal set up, and the work environment of a globalized office. Shyam loves but has lost Priyanka, who is now planning an arranged marriage with another; Vroom loves Esha. Esha wants to be a model, Radhika is in an unhappy marriage with a demanding mother-in-law, and military uncle wants to talk to his grandson; they all hate Bakshi, their cruel boss.Apretty - good corporate environment.

Though it is a fiction novel, a phone call from God is something beyond that and makes one wonder if he is reading a fairy tale.The good thing is that the phone call had opened the eyes of all characters and they get to solve their problems on their own.Again school - boy grammar employed by Chetan and the nasty four - letter words sprinkled everywhere.

A disappointing novel but can make a good - read for a lazy Sunday afternoon.

Rating: 1.8/5

Five Point Someone: What Not to Do at IIT - Chetan Bhagat

Set in IIT, in the early '90s, Five Point Someone portrays the lives of the protagonist Hari and his two friends Ryan and Alok. It explores the darker side of IIT, one in which students- having worked for years to make it into the institute-struggle to maintain their grades, keep their friends and have some kind of life outside studies.

Funny, dark and non-stop, Five Point Someone is the story of three friends whose measly five-point something GPAs come in the way of everything-their friendship, their love life, their future. Will they make it?

Chetan Bhagat

Review : 

A refreshing tale for Indian youth.Set in the IIT campus, the story effectively portrays the pressure ,students are subjected to, in reputed educational institutions.The easy - read school boy grammar employed by the author has won him many fans around the country.The college atmosphere, the thick friendship between the three main characters, their different attempts to get rid of the pressure and enjoy college life, the so - called professor's likeness to assignments are all beautifully written and almost all age groups can relate this story to their lives at one point or the other.

The author has managed to cover each and everyone and has made Indians read like never - before.However his easy narration has come under criticism for diluting the standards of books but at the end its winning readers' hearts that matters and I would say Chetan has done that quite well.

A good read especially if you have been a college graduate at some part of your life and wanting to cherish back the memories. If you are a serious fiction aficionado, then this book is not for you

Rating :3/5

Chanakya's Chant - Ashwin Sanghi

The year is 340 BC. A hunted, haunted Brahmin youth vows revenge for the gruesome murder of his beloved father. Cold, calculating, cruel and armed with a complete absence of accepted morals, he becomes the most powerful political strategist in Bharat and succeeds in uniting a ragged country against the invasion of the army of that demigod, Alexander the Great. Pitting the weak edges of both forces against each other, he pulls off a wicked and astonishing victory and succeeds in installing Chandragupta on the throne of the mighty Mauryan empire.

History knows him as the brilliant strategist Chanakya. Satisfied—and a little bored—by his success as a kingmaker, through the simple summoning of his gifted mind, he recedes into the shadows to write his Arthashastra, the ‘science of wealth’. But history, which exults in repeating itself, revives Chanakya two and a half millennia later, in the avatar of Gangasagar Mishra, a Brahmin teacher in smalltown India who becomes puppeteer to a host of ambitious individuals—including a certain slumchild who grows up into a beautiful and powerful woman.

Modern India happens to be just as riven as ancient Bharat by class hatred, corruption and divisive politics and this landscape is Gangasagar’s feasting ground. Can this wily pandit—who preys on greed, venality and sexual deviance—bring about another miracle of a united India? Will Chanakya’s chant work again?

Ashwin Sanghi

Review:

A tale full of 'content' exhibiting the diplomatic skills of two similar people - the great Chanakya and Gangasagar Mishra. One could not help but notice their quest for power and how they use their wits to become a successful kingmaker.The numerous quotes such as 'The early bird gets the worm, but its the second rat that gets the cheese' stand out.The characters like Chandini , Chandragupta are mere puppets in the diplomats' show.

But,after a while,the frequent mentioning of their cunningness and diplomatic skills through a lot of incidents starts boring.Yes,they are witty but why overdo it? The characters apart from the two protagonists are not developed properly.They seem shallow and it seems the author had forgotten that its the side - characters that lend the main - characters their substance.The story loses its element in a few places and its just like reading a newspaper, full of information. The book efficiently portrays today's condition in politics.All you have to do is bring a glamour actress in your election campaign and you are almost sure to win.


Chanakya's story is a little better handled than Gangasagar's.I found myself wishing Chanakya's story would never end.The way Chanakya plans every moves,the way he overthrows Paurus,the way he makes Alexander fall into his trap are just a treat to read.Gangasagar's place,the heart of India,Uttar Pradesh is shown just like any other Indian city with both the extremes.The author could have shortened his descriptions and omitted many unnecessary events to make it a gripping read.


Negatives apart, Ashwin Sanghi is certainly developing as a master in historical thriller after his twin success with 'The Rozabal Line' and 'Chanakya's Chant'. Its really nice to say that Dan Brown has an Indian competitor.


As far as 'Chanakya's Chant' is concerned,not a bad book to read if you are looking for some change from the usual mystery, romance and thriller.

Rating: 3/5

The Secret of the Nagas (Shiva Trilogy #2) - Amish Tripathi

Today, He is a God.

4000 years ago, He was just a man.

The hunt is on. The sinister Naga warrior has killed his friend Brahaspati and now stalks his wife Sati. Shiva, the Tibetan immigrant who is the prophesied destroyer of evil, will not rest till he finds his demonic adversary. His vengeance and the path to evil will lead him to the door of the Nagas, the serpent people. Of that he is certain.

The evidence of the malevolent rise of evil is everywhere. A kingdom is dying as it is held to ransom for a miracle drug. A crown prince is murdered. The Vasudevs Shivas philosopher guides betray his unquestioning faith as they take the aid of the dark side. Even the perfect empire, Meluha is riddled with a terrible secret in Maika, the city of births. Unknown to Shiva, a master puppeteer is playing a grand game.

In a journey that will take him across the length and breadth of ancient India, Shiva searches for the truth in a land of deadly mysteries only to find that nothing is what it seems.

Fierce battles will be fought. Surprising alliances will be forged. Unbelievable secrets will be revealed in this second book of the Shiva Trilogy, the sequel to the #1 national bestseller, The Immortals of Meluha.

Amish Tripathi

Review :

As usual , the sequel disappoints to meet up with the expectations generated by its prequel.The book vividly describes the journey of Lord Shiva, through various parts of the country. Various mysteries including Lord Ganesh and Kali are solved.Though the book lacks intense subject, the author manages to keep the readers engaged with his plots and mysteries.Lots of characters like Bhagirath, Uttanka, Anandmayi add spice to the story. Lord Shiva continues to get different premonitions for which there are no explanations still. Lord Daksha's mask is unveiled as the emperor is forced to commit sins due to circumstances.Sati's heroics withthe lions is note - worthy. The relationship between Lord Shiva and Lord Ganesh after Shiva learns about his true identity is a treat to read as Ganesh throws all he has to impress his dad.


The narration could have been more clear and descriptive. Certain places could have been trimmed as it accounts for lack of pace and makes the readers feel bored.


The explosive attack on Shiva's troops rises suspicion on the Nagas though the Nagas help in Shiva's counter - attack.The end as usual is a cliff - hanger as Shiva learns a surprising secret in the Naga territory.A must - read novel though not upto the expectations.Hope he makes up with his third book as a lot of mysteries have to be solved.

Rating: 3.7/5

The Immortals of Meluha(Shiva Trilogy #1) - Amish Tripathi

1900 BC. In what modern Indians mistakenly call the Indus Valley Civilisation. The inhabitants of that period called it the land of Meluha a near perfect empire created many centuries earlier by Lord Ram, one of the greatest monarchs that ever lived. This once proud empire and its Suryavanshi rulers face severe perils as its primary river, the revered Saraswati, is slowly drying to extinction. They also face devastating terrorist attacks from the east, the land of the Chandravanshis. To make matters worse, the Chandravanshis appear to have allied with the Nagas, an ostracised and sinister race of deformed humans with astonishing martial skills!

The only hope for the Suryavanshis is an ancient legend: When evil reaches epic proportions, when all seems lost, when it appears that your enemies have triumphed, a hero will emerge.

Is the rough-hewn Tibetan immigrant Shiva, really that hero? And does he want to be that hero at all? Drawn suddenly to his destiny, by duty as well as by love, will Shiva lead the Suryavanshi vengeance and destroy evil?

Amish Tripathi

Review :

Felt satisfied that I have read a good book after a very long time.The first book of Shiva Trilogy is a fantastic experience and I suggest everyone to read it as soon as possible. The author has blended fiction and mythology to provide a perfect entertainer . Lord Shiva's portrayal as a rough yet tender hearted barbarian is done with a surgeon's precision.All other characters are well described and they manage to find a special place in the hearts of the readers.


The author has done a good job of integrating all the details known to us about the Indus Valley Civilization and the city Meluha with its perfect rules and regulations invites the readers. I liked the various discussions between Shiva and the Vasudev pandits. The has managed to clear many wrongly understood concepts.His vivid explanation on the drink of Gods - the Somras deserves an applause.The interactions between Shiva and Brahaspathi makes one marvel at the scientist's intelligence.

Positives apart, there are certain areas in the book where the author lacks fire.The Neelkanth character is overdone and it is sad to see even monarchs and learned doctors believe the legend like mad.The character I liked very much was Parvateshwar, who is the only one who asks forgiveness instead of asking excuses. He also stands out in many other places like when he says 'I have opted for life - long celibacy'. Certain places lack pace and make the readers wish it would get over soon. Many mysteries, like who the hooded figure is, why does he try to kidnap Sati without harming her remains unsolved and makes one wait eagerly for the next book.

Overall , a top quality mythology fiction book that makes a fantastic read.

Rating: 4.3/5

Can Love Happen Twice? - Ravinder Singh

When Ravin first said ‘I love you . . .’ he meant it forever. The world has known this through Ravin’s bestselling novel, I Too Had a Love Story. But did Ravin’s story really end on the last page of that book?

On Valentine’s Day, a radio station in Chandigarh hosts a very special romantic chat show. Ravin and his three best friends are invited as guests to talk about Ravin’s love story. But surprisingly everyone apart from Ravin turns up. As the show goes live, there is only one question in every listener’s mind: what has happened to Ravin?

To answer this question the three friends begin reading from a handwritten copy of Ravin’s incomplete second book—the entire city listens breathlessly, unable to believe the revelations that follow.

This highly anticipated sequel by Ravinder Singh is an emotional rollercoaster that bravely explores the highs and lows of love.

Review :

Ravinder Singh

The much awaited sequel to 'I too had a Love Story'.Its sad to say that this sequel has failed to meet the mountain - high expectations that the previous book has generated.Yet its a good book in its own way and deals with Ravin's second love.Once again,the different incidents during his love life is a treat to read.Simar is brought forth as a modern girl spoiled by her parents and is pursuing her degree in Belgium.Ravin meets her when he goes to work there and falls in love.He is still haunted by Khushi's memories. His dream in which Khushi says 'I'm happy for you , Shona' shows Khushi's big heart.As their love life moves smoothly, difference in opinion creeps between them over Ravin's parents and the climax involves another love failure for Ravin.The climax is almost predictable.The general trend, love failure - girl goes on with her life and boy ends up in a mental asylum is repeated though it is heartening to see Simar come for Ravin after hearing his condition.


The author's simple yet effective style once again stands out and screams for attention.The book makes for light reading and can be finished in one - go.A good book that brings out modern concept of love and the problems the lovers face.

Rating: 2.5/5

I Too Had a Love Story - Ravinder Singh

Do Love stories ever die?

Can modern day gadgets like Mobile phones and the ‘http:\ www’ era of Internet bring you the love of your life?

You haven’t met her earlier, but commit to marry. Will you still call this a love marriage?

And what if on the engagement day while you pull the ring out from your pocket, you realize what you planned was just a dream which never comes true…?

How would you react when a beautiful person comes into your life, becomes your most precious possession and then one day goes away from you…forever?

Not all love stories are meant to have a perfect ending. Some stay incomplete. Yet they are beautiful in their own way. Ravin’s love story is one such innocent and beautiful story. He believes love stories seldom die. They are meant to stay for the generations yet to come and read them. And given that one chance to narrate his love story, this is how he began…

I remember the date well : 4th March 2006. I was in Kolkata and about to REACH Happy’s home. I had been very excited all morning as I was going to see our gang of four after three years.

Review :

Ravinder Singh

 A heart - breaking true love tale that leaves almost everyone in tears. The past tense in the title intrigues the readers. The quote 'To the memory of the girl whom I loved and yet could not marry' and the occasional one liners like 'She died, I survived and since I survived, I died everyday' makes the readers cry for Ravin. Ravin's true love for Khushi is well portrayed.The various incidents during their short but joyful love life can be related to one's life easily.Be it Ravin's uneasiness when he meets Khushi for the first time or Khushi's ecstatic feeling a day before her wedding, the author gets a thumbs - up.The climax moves even the stone - hearted and the final 30 - 40 pages are sure to leave your pillows wet.

The fact that the writer does not make any effort to impress the readers with lofty words and articulations point to the honesty of the writer s feelings. The writer has summed up the essence of his story in the most appealing terms. 'Not everyone in this world has the fate to cherish the fullest form of love. Some are born, just to experience the abbreviation of it.' Those for whom love is the most beautiful feeling above human definitions and parameters the book will make for an ever cherished experience.

Rating :4/5

Anything for You, Ma'am , An IITian's Love Story - Tushar Raheja

As a professor in IIT Delhi is busy with his love, Biobull, a revolutionary bus that will run on human discharge and provide a somewhat funny yet, inexhaustible alternate fuel ... one of his students is busy with his – a girl thankfully.

Tejas Narula’s college misadventures and comic entanglements are a result of the twisted hand of Fate. Follow his journey across the nation to his love, aided only by his own ingenuity and a trustworthy band of friends. Tejas can’t help falling madly in love with his sister’s beautiful best friend Shreya even though she lives at the other end of the nation, in Chennai.And he would do anything for her.Even jeopardize his career to travel the length of the country just to meet her.

Thus begins Tejas’s extremely eventful and humorous journey where Mr. Fate pits him, as only he can, against Professor Sidhu who would do anything to stop him; and conjures a host of interesting characters who travel some part of his journey with him weaving together extremely witty plots.And well, Mr. Fate, it seems, has more roles in his ingenious mind for "Biobull" than just remain a rocking bus.

Tushar Raheja

Review : 

Not worth the time spent on it, I regret having wasted time on it. This book doesn't have anything that I expected, but thank god, it didn't have any sleazy, cheap scenes like the ones of Chetan Bhagat. Coming back to this, its full of wit and humor, rather more than that is necessary in a novel. 

Yes, this one definitely describes a college student's life as it is, and I expected it to go forward and show us what happens afterwards, but it didn't.
Well, if you are reading this book, here are some plus points:
A book written by an author with great sense of humour. Coincidences could have been avoided.I did love the way the author left the novel at the end, but given that, I would love to see the protagonist learn something during his wonderful journey.

Overall, its a time-pass book, better to spend your 100 bucks on this rather than on some hi-fi magazine!

Rating: 1.5/5

Life is What You Make it - Preeti Shenoy

What would you do if destiny twisted the road you took? What if it threw you to a place 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 over 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. How did Ankita get here? What were the events that led to this? Will she ever get back her life again?

Life has cruelly and coldly snatched that which meant the most to her and she must now fight to get it all back.

It is a deeply moving and inspiring account of growing up, of the power of faith and how determination and an indomitable spirit can overcome even what destiny throws at you.

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 one makes it.

Preeti Shenoy

Review : 

A must – read novel for all ages describing the rollercoaster life of Ankita Sharma. The author’s lucid style of narration makes it an easy – read as well. The opening scenes where Ankita finds herself in a mental asylum are more like they have been taken from a Chetan Bhagat book. Ankita’s days in Cochin and the ever – refreshing college atmosphere keeps the readers engaged and gives them a ‘feel – good’ touch. Ankita’s shift to Mumbai and Abhi’s tragic death takes the story in a completely different path. Bipolar disorder, a mental disease involving dramatic change in moods is well portrayed. The author could have shortened her description about Ankita’s sufferings as repetitive analogies and similies slow down the pace for 50-60 odd pages. Ankita’s mean and selfish character does not deserve sympathy but the author manages to make the readers feel pity for her. The feel that the story had ended abruptly is well compensated by what everyone call a happy – ending. The story makes one look back at his/her life and think, ‘Life is not only about money, jewels and expensive cars. Its about the profound joy in seeing a beautiful flower bloom. Its about the sheer joy on seeing an old friend after so many years. Its about the excitement when we walk in a rain. The book projects life in a different spectrum and makes us want to live our life differently.

Life is indeed what we make it!!!

Rating : 2.5/5