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Posted in Book Review

The ‘Local’ Book Review: Screw It, Let’s Do It! by Richard Branson.

Posted on by Shreya Jain 
Book Length: 106 Pages   
Genre: Self-Help    
Personal Rating: 5/5  
Buy this book here: https://amzn.to/3xMgXUA

Book Introduction: “Excuse me, are you a teacher?”; a sweet, womanly voice pulled me out of ‘Features of the New Economic Policy’ pointers that I was trying to absorb, while my desti‘station’ Dadar awaited. I looked up to locate its owner, and saw a pretty face gazing at me with eyes hopeful for a response. “Maybe one day in the future, yes, the still a student for now!” I replied, with my usual ‘Nice to talk to you’ smile. “Oh shucks, I thought you’re one. I’m going for a job interview as a teacher. It’s my first, actually! I thought you’re one, so I’d just talk to you and get some tips”, came her reply, with a similar ‘Nice to talk to you too’ smile. I felt the vibe strings match, and being the chatty one that I am, couldn’t help but continuing the conversation with “So where exactly is the school you’re going for interview, and which section are you looking forward to teach?”. Flowed out the entire band of facts from her end, and off in went… Our Mumbai local train tete-a-tete. God had planned for this, I know, because coincidentally we shared the same desti‘station’. That almost 1 hour conversation was one of the best parts of my day. I got to know about how she has had a successful home-tutoring career spanning 16 years (she started at the age of 15!), various common facets of both our lives, for example she living not more than 3 kms away from the area I lived and went to school in, and the fact she knew my ex-school so well and had tutored so many ex-students from the same, our views on feminism and equality, marriage, and the gender-roles that the society attaches to a woman. The most important bits of our conversation revolved around the fact that this was her first job interview in her entire life, and the first time she would be working under someone if she gets in, and how her nerves were bundling into over this. As I was reading ‘Screw It, Let’s Do It!” by Richard Branson, I couldn’t stop recollecting this incident. I wish I could go back in time, and give  her those valuable pearls of insights that this book contains. Alas, I can’t do that, but well… I’ll share it with you guys instead!

Richard Branson is a British entrepreneur and adventurer, head of Virgin Group Ltd., known for his setting records in powerboat racing and hot-air ballooning, and successful business ventures. This high-school drop-out is a self-made billionaire is a force of nature, a statement of mine that will be justified once you walk through the pages of ‘Screw It, Let’s Do It’, a book in which he puts down all the possible pieces of advice and life lessons he has culminated all these years. The crux of all that one of the most successful people on the planet’s journey has given him, and benefit you too, basically!

Review: To-the-point, acute, astute, inspiring, informative, sufficiently well-written, valuable. Baaki aap samajdaar ho, khud samaj jaoge.

Posted in Book Review

Book Review: A Home in the Sun

Posted on by Shreya Jain 
Book Length: 358 Pages  
Genre: Fiction   
Personal Rating: 4.9/5 
Buy this book here: https://amzn.to/3amkhO9

Introduction: Imagine… An extremely well-established house. No silver spoons and Bentley homes, but great IKEA. Spacious, comfortable, warm, pretty… Keeps everyone happy. And then one day, enters an earthquake. Its tremors destroy every particle of cement that held the bricks of the house together with strength all this while. In a painful extended blink, this sweet façade is gone… And all that’s left is those piles of scattered bricks, that once formed an absolute thing of beauty. But…. A thing of beauty is a joy forever, and those bricks, no matter how scattered… Were untattered. Their former grounds weren’t meant to hold a foundation anymore, let alone a home. So, the bricks find a new ground… One that’s far away, and rich enough to help them restore their former glorious structure, and they start rebuilding… Slow, efficient, steady. But little do they know, this time, instead of an earthquake, a thunderstorm is keeping their wait. Will this storm crumble away the bricks this time, and bury them into the same grounds, or restore those walls, no matter what? You need to dive into the turquoise waters of Malta with Judith McAllister, to know whether the disasters of emotional tumults succeed in not letting her restore, the house that’s her life… That too where? In the blazing sunlight of Malta or cold winds of England? A Sue Moorcroft’s tale to tell!

Review: Just one word… Lovely. Absolutely lovely, this book. The plot, characterization and narrative… C’est parfait! The articulation, however, could have been better. But nevertheless, if you are looking for something emotionally intricate, yet soothing… This is a read I’d recommend.

Posted in Book Review

Book Review: Demon On Fire and Other Stories

Posted on by Shreya Jain 
Book Length: 230 Pages 
Genre: Fiction  
Personal Rating: 4.95/5
Buy this book here: https://amzn.to/3MYVgXb

Introduction: The world is a vast, that’s a fact every single one of us with conscious know better than the back of our hands, isn’t it? No two corners are the same, be it with the structure or what they have to offer. And there are such crores of corners around this simple on the surface, but dynamic in every way word ‘world’. There is a corner we are born in, and over the course of our lives, multiple others we dwell within, at times nomadic, and some times settling. They might be in plenty, yet again, as the unchangeable rules of the world, its never ‘full’. Don’t you catch yourself wondering at times, how the corners far and beyond from ours, might be? And how do the dwellers of them, live? Of some we have an idea, and of the rest in thousands, we don’t. This wonder stems curiosity, which further stems many of human indulgences and leisure. Like expediting, and diving in stories (irrespective of the form they are expressed in). They are our portals to the worlds within this world that lies in these corners. This is why, we love them. ‘Demon On Fire & Other Stories’ by Madhavi Johnson is a bouquet of 15 such portals.

From a Dili knee-deep in war crimes and unrest, streets of New York City full of the young: lost, unsheltered, abused; to a flooded village in Sundarbans, Madhavi puts forth an array of tales that show you the surfaces of the world you’ve never seen, and emotions you’ve never actually confronted before. If you are ready for a whirlwind trip around the bests and worsts, and opposite seas, then this should be your next read!

Review: Incredible, exciting, magnificent *insert all the possible positive descriptive adjectives* The best short stories collection I’ve read, till date. I think its pretty much clear by now how high of a regard I have towards this book. Here are the major reasons why: 1) Extremely well thought, woven, and articulated stories. 2) An extensive diversity in the themes and settings. 3) Immaculate portrayal of emotions… Abh main aur bolu yaa aap convince ho gaye? Jokes apart, this book was a good learning experience, it has shown me new facets of life and gave me a lot to ponder upon, and made me introspect with plethora of feelings. However, few of the stories had minor plot holes, which if filled, would make it synonymous to ‘perfection’. But that’s alright, the stars might not match the moon, but they are dazzling too! I’m definitely re-reading this book at some point in time, and would 100% recommend my fellow reading community to devote their time to it as well!

Posted in Not-textbook lessons

#DJRKWTK: Lines to ponder upon even more from The Celestine Prophecy

Posted on by Shreya Jain 
Book Length: 282 Pages
Genre: Fiction 
Personal Rating: 4.7/5
Buy this book here: https://amzn.to/37WN7np

History is not just the evolution of technology, it’s the evolution of thought.

Dobson

The problem is that our focused obsessive drive to conquer nature and make ourselves more comfortable has left the natural systems of the planet polluted and on the verge of collapse.

Dobson

In other words we humans seek to outwit and control each other not just because of some tangible goal in the outside world that we’re trying to achieve, but because of a lift we get psychologically. This is the reason we see so many irrational conflicts in the world both at the individual level and at the level of nations.

Reneau

They have to dominate now because of the way their parents dominated them. That’s the means through which psychological violence is passed down from one generation to another.

Reneau

The truth shall set you free.

Father Sanchez

Don’t confuse calmness with carelessness.

Father Sanchez

Your whole life has been a long road leading directly to this moment.

Father Carl

The problem in life isn’t in receiving answers. The problem is in identifying your current questions. Once you get the questions right, the answers always come.

Father Carl

Not only dreams guide us. Also thoughts or daydreams guide us.

Pablo

Your growth being stopped…. It happens when you become addicted to another person.

Pablo

Children should learn the world from adults, and not other children.

Karla

Worse are the distortions created on the spot by adults just because they want to have a little fun, and because they believe truth is too complicated for a child to comprehend. But this is not right, the truth can always be expressed at a child’s level of understanding. It just takes some thought.

Karla

Whenever people cross our paths, there is always a message for us. Chance encounters do not exist. But how we respond to these encounters determines whether we’re able to receive the message. If we have a conversation with someone who crosses our path and we do not see a message pertaining to our current questions, it does not mean there was no message. It only means we missed it for some reason.

Julia

When we give, we receive in return because of the way energy interacts in the universe.

Dobson

We’re here on this planet not to build personal empires of control, but to evolve.

Dobson

Religions become corrupted when leaders are assigned to explain God’s will to the people instead of showing them how to find this direction within themselves.

Father Sanchez

Posted in Book Review

Book Review: The Celestine Prophecy by James Redfield

Posted on by Shreya Jain 
Book Length: 282 Pages
Genre: Fiction 
Personal Rating: 4.7/5
Buy this book here: https://amzn.to/37WN7np

Introduction: Have you had moments when your heart and conscious, both have been gripped by this wind, that doesn’t let them still? Nothing is wrong per se, and yet, it doesn’t feel how it does usually, how it should be…Of normalcy. This wind is ‘restlessness’, and I’m pretty sure, at least once, have been its guests. The causes, and the contexts of these winds are variant, but the impact they create; often the same. They get us thinking with an intensity of exception, and even drive us to major consequences… At times good, and at times bad. These 100 words I just wrote, is the best way to tie together the entirety of ‘The Celestine Prophecy’ authored by James Redfield.

The restlessness of a certain young man, brought to his awareness and nudged in the right direction by an acquaintance, drives him to the rain forests of Peru, where a certain ancient doctrine is hidden, and trying to be supressed from coming to light, that would reveal to the world its true spiritual truth, and purpose. Armed with a satchel of resources, and co-incidences, he follows his heart on this conquest, where the insights that might change his entire mental landscape are waiting for him…. Along mortal powers, who would leave no stone unturned to guard what they have built and can be threatened by this manuscript (that’s what they believe). If introspection to the depths of oceans fits your cup, then pick this up!

Review: This book has turned a plethora of thought wheels in my head. Introspection comes naturally to me along with and after every single script I read, but this book took me on a new level of internal ride. The blend of psychology and spirituality in the content presented is my favourite feature of this book. However, the plot has a lot of room for improvements, in my opinion. The notions and the insights’ explanations feel very real, but the storyline is the medium for presenting them, and the storyline here seems quite fast-paced and fantastical for reality. Apart from this, I would 100% recommend this, and if you’re anything like me, you’ll soon pick it up for re-read.

 

Posted in Book Review

Book Review: Quiddity of the First Ray of Sunlight

Posted on by Shreya Jain 
Book Length: 63 pages
Genre: Poetry Collection
Personal Rating: 3/5 

Buy this book here:  https://amzn.to/3xS88KI

Introduction: “When you are young, they assume you know nothing” …Taylor Swift sung, I felt. And this ‘I’ here doesn’t stand for first person singular pronoun, but it represents every single one of them, I can assure you that. And the age of the pronouns would fall in the range of 13-19 years , I’m ready to bet on that as well. And to all those who hold that assumption true, what if I tell you the book I’m reviewing today is penned by a 13-year-old?

*smiles at the shot-up eyebrows*

‘Quiddity of the First Ray of Sunlight’ is an anthology of 21 poems, authored by Arushi Kohli, an Indian teenager, hailing from Delhi. Based on a mélange of themes and styles, the entire book takes us on a ride of the world (made of thoughts and viewpoints) this budding professional holds her own. The topics of the poems are based on generic aspects of life, which are elaborated with illustrations (in almost all of them).

Review: An excellent effort. At this tender age, going out and taking a professional step, let alone publishing your own book, is not a small or easy deal; and that’s still putting it mildly. If I see the pieces with an extreme critical lens, there’s definitely a lot of room for improvement. But those are the kinds of spaces that can only be filled with maturity and time, a process that is natural within a creative and doesn’t yield much when forced. The portrayal of thoughts, and putting together of words: Those are the areas the author needs to develop upon. As your senior in more ways than one, I have to say this: I’m really proud of you Arushi, keep your spirits, passion, and work progress up, always. If you wish to encourage this budding writer, do give the book a read. 

Posted in Not-textbook lessons

#DJRKWTK: Top lessons from ‘The Billionaire and the Monk’

Posted on by Shreya Jain 
Book Length: 129 Pages
Genre: Fiction
Buy this book here: https://amzn.to/3rquXkt

Minimalism is not the absence of ambition. It is not sainthood. It is a life choice in which you decide to live with minimum possessions but with maximum focus. The idea is that through physical uncluttering, you also tidy up your mental cupboards, loaded with unnecessary and meaningless objects and emotions

The Monk

The truth is that the only reason we continue to live with lot of clutter is that we are afraid to let go.

The Monk

Funny we may differentiate between ourselves based on country and race, but everywhere, petrichor smells just the same. Humans differentiate, nature doesn’t.

Both the Billionaire and the Monk

Don’t carry the load of the world on your shoulders.

The Monk

Don’t participate in consumerism and bankrupt your wallet and happiness.

The Monk

Happiness begins with defining your goals and pacing your life accordingly.

The Monk

In effect, don’t go by an pre-conceived definitions of meditation; anything that helps you make that micro-second long connection with your soul is meditation.

Chief Lama

You can never underestimate the stupidity of human obsessions. Hypocrisy is common in capitalism.

The Billionaire.

Once you take responsibility of your actions, even if they turn out to be disastrous, they provide you with a learning opportunity.

The Billionaire

Your troubles are just the right troubles for you.

The Billionaire

Being grateful means that you cherish the present and build the future on the present.

The Billionaire

Doing something just to please someone is a dangerous form of flattery and should be avoided under all circumstances.

Chief Lama

Don’t indulge, encourage or generate gossip. Your life is more valuable than just being a post box.

The Monk

Learn to ignore inconsequential and irrelevant comments.

The Monk

We believe a healthy body is the result of three fundamental aspects: nutrition, exercise, and rest. All three elements play a vital role in maintaining and enhancing your health. No single component is sufficient and all three aspects should be balanced for a fit and happy body.

Chief Lama

Fighting an illness is always a lonely and unhappy battle.

Chief Lama

Cross-culture interactions always bought a new perspective to learnings.

The Billionaire

The four dimensions of money are: Income, Consumption, Savings and Investment.

The Billionaire

We live in a world where money is an essential tool and the critical thing to remember is that it is not the only tool.

Chief Lama

The easiest way to handle a relationship is to step into the shoes of the other person.

The Monk

Sacrificing happiness for career is not okay, similarly, being happy without a worthy career is not acceptable.

Seth Babu

If one did not pursue a hobby, it’s a character flaw.

Seth Babu

People who choose to work for their heart and persist until they reach the pinnacle of excellence in their discipline always leave a mark on the society and their era. Money is a by-product, the happiness of excellence is their true goal.

Seth Babu

The humility of the man was what defined him.

The Monk

Happiness is attained and not achieved.

Vibhor Kumar Singh

Happiness is nothing but the sum of ordinary acts of daily life, performed well and with gratitude.

Vibhor Kumar Singh
Posted in Not-textbook lessons

#DJRKWTK: Bits from Daughter of Luharu that should stir you….

Posted on by Shreya Jain

Buy this book here: https://amzn.to/35zS3NO

Caste, religion, money, nothing makes a difference to a woman’s life, Roheeni. Do you realize that?’ I was every woman now.

Chand Bibi, Roheeni

It was best to keep some things under wraps

Chand Bibi

So, my job was to keep my mouth shut no matter what, be it in Chiriya or in Luharu. It was best to maintain a stoic silence. Because every word uttered by me carried a penalty and I was in no mental state to pay it

Roheeni

I shut myself off and transported myself mentally to the world of books. I discovered it was a great coping mechanism

Roheeni

Then there was another fear to deal with. What if this was going to be another girl? Would a still-born be better? A dead girl was better than one alive?

Roheeni

Strange are the ways of life. No one cared to find out about me in nineteen years but now that I had sons, they were present as my family to take part in the rituals

Roheeni

Strange is life. One moment you feel settled, happy and smug and in the next moment, destiny takes up a sharp sword and slices your plans into bits and pieces.

Roheeni

The impact of some events on your psyche is so deep that no matter how much you want to shut it away, it resurfaces, sometimes at the oddest of moments.

Roheeni

Women would always be unsafe, I concluded, no matter what the political or social situation

Roheeni

It is really strange how women have an in-built mechanism to accept misfortune, deal with it and still live on like nothing had happened

Roheeni

As has been the pattern of my life, happiness is always followed by unspeakable sorrow

Roheeni

Such is the situation of women and their parents in our society. It was they who had committed the crime but we were the ones hiding in the hotel like criminals

Roheeni

Or was she like any other Indian woman – free but not free?

Roheeni

We were generations apart, situations apart, but our destinies had a way of colliding. We never got what we hoped for instead we were handed out shame, insult, humiliation.

Roheeni

I don’t believe in happy endings because you do not really know what the future has in store for you. However, that doesn’t mean you don’t keep striving

Roheeni

Sometimes, destiny has bigger plans and we have to go through fire to fulfil that destiny.

Roheeni

Baanj, rakhel, dujjar…. It’s always the women!

Roheeni

When you are down in the dumps, support comes from the most unexpected places.

Roheeni

Only a married woman has respect.

Rani

Living up to societal expectations is so important that if it ruins the life of a girl, so be it.

Roheeni

As if a girl has a choice. We have money and you can get any bride you want.

Bhagwani Devi

Women were not considered human beings made of flesh and blood. They were merely son-vending machines and keepers of family honour.

Roheeni

A calamity brings out the worst in people.

Roheeni

Posted in Book Review

Book Review: The Billionaire and The Monk by Vibhor Kumar Singh

Posted on by Shreya Jain

Book length: 129 pages
Genre: Fiction
Format: Paperback/E-book
Personal Rating: 3/5

Buy this book here: https://amzn.to/3rquXkt

Introduction: What is it that makes you happy? That chunk of chocolate at the end of ice-cream, that sweet text from someone you love, a long weekend after lots of busy weeks, the smell of new and old books (personal favourite huehue) … The list seems to be never ending, no? I find that a beautiful thing. For me, happiness and contentment are the ultimate goals in life. I feel everything that we do, is for happiness at the end of the day. Be it our own, or someone else’s. The journey in its attainment might be hell, but the destination… Heaven. However, Mr. Vibhor Kumar Singh doesn’t believe so. His notion says that happiness is both the journey and the destination. And with his debut book ‘The Billionaire and the Monk’ he takes us on this journey of how to travel the journey of happiness and soak in the beauty of its destination right.

 

In the borders of Shangri-La, a rare friendship thrives: That of a Billionaire and a Monk. The Billionaire is that everyday Billionaire you read about in newspapers: The over-achiever, the market-conqueror, the role model, and obviously… The Billionaire. The Monk in a way is your everyday monk and in a way isn’t. He has joined back the course of ordinary life after spending almost all of his life in monastery. Both of their paths intertwine, and they soon set off on an endeavour. Different, yet similar people, with their endeavour they also begin decoding the answer to an equal question: Are they truly happy? How can happiness be found? Do they taste the nectar of success? And what do they encounter in the process? Now that’s the story for Vibhor to tell.

 

Review: No regrets on the time spent, at all. ‘Sweet’ and ‘insightful’ are the best ways to put it in two words. What I feel about this book is that Mr. Singh has served all of his life’s best lessons and prosperity ingredients on a platter and presented them to us in the form of this book. And for a 16-year-old me, from someone who has seen and experienced the parts of the world I dream to, and achieved what I aim to, this platter has been valuable. The concept is nothing unique, however. When it comes to the articulation, structure, and flow of the story: It’s nice. All in all, a good effort and a great way to spend time, casually but productively on a weekend is how I’ll summarise my opinion on this.