Lelobooks excerpt: “Where Earth Meets Water” by Pia Padukone

Pia Padukone, in her book, “Where Earth Meets Water” has given a demarcation in an instant, like a in a moment as when the ocean tides push and pull the grains of sand and take it away with its flow having its backdrop of an avalanche cascading down a mountain, a torrential downpour onto a parched field of crops. Each entity is both independent from and beholden to the other for survival. And each is affected by the other’s behavior.

"Padukone’s vignettes --- set both in an India defined by its 'mustiness of cardamom and mustard and mothballs' and the gritty streets of a post-9/11 New York --- are imbued with vivid detail. So, too, her characters are anything but bland or passive."

The author has made her debut with this emotional AND spectacular in which, one man searches for meaning in the wake of incomparable tragedy Pia, in the books tells the story of Karom Seth, who is the heart of the book, whose guilt prevents him from leaving his past behind. He was playing hooky the morning of September 11, 2001, when his class takes a stopover the World Trade Center.

He thinks that he should have been in the Twin Towers on the morning of 9/11, and on the Indian shores in 2004, when the tsunami swept his entire family into the ocean. Whether it's a curse or a blessing, Karom can't be sure, but his absence from these disasters has left him with crushing guilt-and a belief that fate has singled him out for invincibility.

Karom's problem brought everyone near him, from his best friend, Lloyd, to his girlfriend, Gita, who anticipates that an expedition to India will bring him some peace. It happens in Delhi that he meets Gita's grandmother, Kamini-an eccentric, but a sensible woman having secrets of her own. At first Karom dismisses Kamini, but later when he realizes that she will ultimately lead him to the clarity that he has been hunting for. 

Straddling across the globe from New York to India, Where Earth Meets Water is a spectacular portrait of a pursuit for human understanding, and a astute investigation of misery, endurance and love in all its forms.

About the Author:

Pia Padukone was born, raised and continues to live in New York City. A graduate of Stuyvesant High School and the London School of Economics, Pia has worked as a copywriter in healthcare advertising. In their spare time, Pia and her husband write Two Admirable Pleasures, a blog that combines their shared passions for books and the culinary dishes that are inspired by them. Pia debuts with Where Earth Meets Water and is working on her second novel.

The book is available at lelobooks, a leading online bookstore in India, which keeps updating its bookshelf with the latest releases and has millions of books in its inventory. Indulge in online book shopping and order now for availing attractive discounts. Hurry Now!

Review: Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus by John Gray

The much talked about book, Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus by John Gray has certainly its share of fame for being a groundbreaking guide to the opposite sex and relationships.

You can’t live with them and, believe me, neither you can’t think of living without them. Since decades, interacting with the opposite sex has always been a great task, which is done in order to make an impression upon, which is the dude the ultimate wish for most of us…right? But, have you ever wondered about the ‘how’ part of the process. We have often been blaming it on our destiny and thereafter think of some better future with someone better, having a positive approach towards life, which is highly appreciated.

Is it really that failed relationships are destined to be so?Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus attempts to reduce the differences between both sexes by explaining why these differences arose.

The book begins with a simple story where Martians, the men are happily living on the planet Mars, and the Venusians, the women on the planet Venus. Problems between both the sexes begin to crop up when both of them start meeting each other and fail to become conscious the basic differences that exist between them as a result of belonging to different planets.

In the book the author, Dr. Gray has elucidated things in a very realistic manner; the book is peppered with examples of different couples and their conflicting habits and reactions. What surprised me was the fact that the author, who is a man, could understand a woman’s mind so well. I liked the chapters ‘Men are like rubber bands’ and ‘Women are like waves’ because at a distance from relationship advice, these chapters delve into our general characteristics as humans,so look out for a treat for the singles here! The chapter, which I did not like was ‘How to communicate different feelings’ where the author teaches us to write a love letter. I personally did not like the idea of stereotyping love letters, but it may work as a relief for people who don’t know to express their emotions in writing.

This novel could have easily become a sexist one, but the author managed to not take sides, and explain the positives and negatives of both genders.The not behind the novel was not to eulogize the positives and remove the negatives, but to accept and understand the negatives and underlines the positives of a person.

The bad thing about the book is that it is too long and the first hundred pages of the book can be summarized in two lines! Apart from that the book is all good, and it is a must read, especially for the people who are in relationships.Singles can also go for it too as nobody knows what happens next?

The book is available at lelobooks, an online bookstore in India. So just get ready to find your soul mate after reading this intellectual read.

Book Review: India Junction – A Window to the Nation by Seema Sharma

Released by Indian Railway, titled ‘India Junction – A Window to the Nation’, which has been brought by Public Relations Directorate, Railway Board and has been edited by Ms Seema Sharma.

The book, ‘India Junction – A Window to the Nation’ states a saga of the long an action-packed journey of Indian Railways starting from 1853 to the present day with in detail, methodical thesis that are loaded with history; gorgeous travel pieces; and some truly wonderful and exceptional photo features, which commemorates the modifications, changes and convenience that the Railways has brought about in our lives; and looks at how the Railways itself has changed over time.

It is a national known fact that the Indian Railways provide us with a realistic, expedient mode of transportation, but its involvement and contribution to Indian life goes much beyond that. Tdoay, it has become the lifeline of the nation and, in many ways, its improvement has been deeply entwined with the future of the nation. India Junction features in-depth, systematic  and logical essays that are rich in history; delectable travel pieces; and some truly amazing and rare photo features—celebrates the changes the Railways has brought about in our lives; and examines how the Railways itself has transformed over time.

Since then, this mode of transportation has been a part of many phenomenal events in India like freedom struggle, India Independence etc. this mode of transportation has even been an indispensable force of modernization and the author Seema Sharma in her book, India Junction : A Window To The Nation has mentioned many instances and facts that enable us to experience again many such important instances of history which are associated with Indian Railway.

The book shows that India got its first taste of Railway mode of transportation in the year 1853 when train was launched from Bombay to Thane.

Some quotes in INDIA JUNCTION:

•    Without the railways, the three great cities of Calcutta, Bombay and Madras would have remained small colonial trading ports. —Sir Mark Tully
•    ‘Railways was the greatest force of modernization and unity that India had ever seen.’ —Sandipan Deb
•    ‘The development of the railways has been deeply intertwined with the destiny of the Indian subcontinent.’ —Sharmila Kantha
•    ‘In Mumbai locals, there is even a new subgroup of intimacy: the train friend.’ —Jerry Pinto
•    ‘No Railways, no India.’—Ian J. Kerr

The book also contains a few rare photos featuring and celebrating the modifications of Indian Railways through the course of time and the book would have been incomplete without these clicks.

The book is available at lelobooks, an online bookstore in India, so just click and place your order through online book shopping and get this book at your doorstep. Also avail attractive discounts and exciting gift hampers. Hurry now!

Books that will help in cracking Civil Services Exam

It has been said that Civil Services exam is one of the most difficult tests to crack and for the ones, who are not familiar with its arduous history, allow me to share some information with you which will help you in cracking your exam, this time. It has been surveyed that in the year 2012, there were about 4.5 Lakh students who appeared for this exam and out of which 15,000 qualified for the prelims and only 998 made it into the final list. Where as there is a section of candidates who appeared to be as bad as landing an airplane in the dark with no radar. And trust me, there is no room for weak hearted people out there. So, in order to support and help these people I have made an attempt to provide them with some of the books that will help them to pay a war against the cantankerous enemy named UPSC. A comprehensive study of the N.C.E.R.T Books will be enough to jog your memory with the basic concepts in all subjects.

Indian Economy by Ramesh Singh 

We all know that Indian Economy is in disaster. The Government is making an to recuperate from the downward spiral. Even when the Prime Miniter of the country which spanned four long ten years who is a renowned economics I can’t figure out why the government did not find ways to redeem the economy.

Thus, Ramesh Singh introduces this subject in a very beautiful manner. The essentials are demonstrated with a deep and thoughtful plot incorporated with appropriate examples and real life circumstances. Similar to that of the Indian Constitution, the subject is also crammed with a truck load of technical terms which may appear mysterious at the beginning, but the writer has portrayed and demonstrates it so well as the book will keep the reader engaged and on the track of understanding and learning things. The author is an experienced person in this subject and steadfastly represents this through his writing expertise. The syllabus is expansively enclosed with sufficient attention as it has been paid to the MCQs without making the subject dull. A highly recommended book not only for IAS aspirants, but also for commerce students who are pursuing their education in similar areas.

Indian and World Geography by Majid Hussain

To me, Geography is a mind-numbing subject. The author, Majid Hussain has made an attempt to provide enough information in order to provide an assistance to you so that you can gauge the basics of the subject. The book is written in a simple language supported by relevant diagrams. The book contains various topics, however, has failed to provide the details of each topic. The book will interest you; however, it may provoke a complain, leaving you famished for more information. By and large, the book will surely keep you engaged and help you build up the right approach.

The books are not only interesting but will also help you in cracking Indian Civil Services Exam. Available at lelobooks! Indulge in online book shopping and avail attractivre discounts while getting books at your door step. So, order now!

Time for some religious thoughts

"The mind is restless and difficult to restrain, but it is subdued by practice": Bhagwat Gita

Human beings are never born too strong to exist on their own as we all look up to some supernatural powers for our protection and believes that there is some system which directs the planet. Likewise, there is a system of beliefs and doctrines, which is commonly known as religion. A religion can be described as  a way of showing reverence to the mighty God and feeling protected & safe. In fact, man has always felt snug like a bug in a rug under the roof of religion and spirituality.

Thus, Religious and spiritual books are a great way to remain linked to the Almighty. These books are available at various online bookstores from where you can order them easily and can have them delivered at your doorstep.

 Jesus Calling by Sarah Young

The book has been penned by missionary Sarah Young, who shares distinctively enthused spiritual insight in unforgettable, provocative and inspiring daily devotionals. The novel, Jesus Calling has been inscribed from Jesus' point of view in a touching first-person set-up that facilitate readers to experience and get an insight of the Savior speaking directly to them through scripture.

"It felt a little awkward the first time I tried it, but I did receive a short message. The content was biblical, and it addressed themes that were current in my life: trust, fear, and closeness to God. I responded by writing in my journal as usual; at that point my journaling changed from monologue to dialogue. Day by day, messages began to flow more freely." – Sarah Young, on beginning a "dialogue" with God

Wild at Heart by John Eldredge

John Eldredge, an author, a truth-seeker, a motivational orator, an outdoorsman, but in particular, a , passionate and focused man who is blatant to be called a Christian who is ferociously exploratory and an out-of-the-box thinker, John Eldredge is intrepidly honest about men, women, the heart, and the Church -- all in the name of recuperating lost souls to new life in Christ. In the novel,Wild at Heart, Eldredge speaks to the hearts of men, particularly.

“Men want a battle to fight, an adventure to live, and a beauty to rescue. That is what is written in their hearts.... It is undeniable.... An authentic man is, therefore, a man who is living with strength and courage and offering his strength on behalf of others. It is not about selfishness.” – John Eldredge

Get indulged in religious reads and clear your mind from doubts with some of the most inspirational and motivational books, available at lelobooks, an online bookstore in India. Hurry now and get your book just by ordering online and get it at your doorstep. Also avail special discounts and exciting gift hampers.

The celebrated books of 2014 to read this summer

Excited about summer vacations? But stumbling upon what to read as I can understand that for an avid reader, it sometimes becomes challenging to decide and pick out the perfect book. The easiest way is to read the synopsis of the book, mentioned at its back and take an idea for finding out your perfect read. If you are still confused about where to start looking let me give you a solution to your problem. Check out at the list of lelobooks.com for top 2 books to read this summer.

How to get Filthy Rich in Rising Asia

Penned by Mohsin Hamid, “How to get Filthy Rich in Rising Asia” is a release of 2014 only and has been published by Penguin Books. As I have already read the author’s previous works like The Reluctant Fundamentalist, which came out to be as the best selling book, although the movie did not give justice to the book. So, here is the Man Booker prize nominee, Mohsin Hamid’s newest book about a young boy hampered by poverty, who rises to become the ultimate symbol of the contemporary South Asian city. The book is incorporated with interesting facts along with that it also contains an eyebrow raising fact that it has been written in the format of business self-help books, which will help you in achieving success and reaching at the top from the scratch.

The Martian

The Martian is a book by Andy Weir has been published Random House this year itself. The back page of the book describes it as Apollo 13 meets Cast Away in this captivating comprehensive, luminously imaginative man-v/s-nature survival suspenseful story and has been given a backdrop of the surface of Mars. Actually, this description made me want to read this novel right away. A team of astronauts are on Mars, collecting samples to carry it back to earth when one of the members is separated from the rest, thanks to a Martian sandstorm. While he is presumed dead, the team leaves back to Earth, only to find out that he is in fact alive. Find out that will he survive till his rescue mission reaches Mars or not. The story has been convincingly narrated and leaves a good impact upon the readers and seems that this book will be adapted as a movie sometime in future.

The above mentioned books are available at lelobooks, an online bookstore in India. So make your summers delighted with some entertaining reads hurry and place your order to get the books at your doorstep. Indulge in fun filled online book shopping and avail attractive discounts along with checking out new books by various authors and publishers.

Sachin Tendulkar in textbooks…Now, studies got its new meaning!

Soon, the students in Maharashtra and especially the cricket lovers and Sanchin Tendulkar in particular will soon be the champion and toppers in the class, while scoring incredible marks for the fact they would soon be reading and learning about this legendary figure in the Indian cricket and passing with incredible scores like that of Sachin in the cricket match. It has been declared that the Maharashtra government has decided to add a chapter on the ‘God of Cricket’ in school textbooks, very soon!

W, the scenario with students will be changed as this will not only stimulate the students but also will add interest in their studies and there will be no more sleeping in classes, at least on the day when it has to be taught the chapter of Sachin.

 However, this is to bring into notice that if Sachin can be added in there, it is for sure that those people who are in charge of deciding the syllabus could also mull over adding other current topics too – such as modern Indian history (post 1947, that is). So, why not a weekly class on current events?

Do you think, if Sachin Tendulkar becoming a part of your academics would be a great idea? If yes, what other current topics that you would like to add into the syllabus?

Post your answers here at lelobooks, an online bookstore in India!looking forward to know about your interest!

Land into the wonderland with fairy tales

Mind games stir an individual and wake them up and keep their minds working and active. You might not know that keeping our minds active will enable us from aging and helps to keep the memory process from slowing down.

The Eleventh Hour

The Eleventh Hour, written by Graeme Base belongs to the genre of curious mystery. The book is written in the year 1988 and is an illustrated book for children. The book showcases a scene, where the elephant named Horace invites his friends  on his eleventh birthday and asks them to play eleven games at the party and can have dinner at eleven o’clock.  But, there happens lot of confusion when they discover that food has already been eaten. Find out who is that glutton and solve the mystery with careful analysis.

The book is written in rhyme, the book includes large and lavish full-page illustrations of Horace's opulent house and the events of the party, packed with hidden details. The author invites the reader to deduce the identity of the thief by examining the illustrations and making deductions and observations. The major and most conspicuous clue lies in a paragraph of ciphertext at the end of the book, which is to be decrypted, once the reader has discovered the identity of the thief, by means of a Caesar cipher mapping A to the first letter of the guilty animal's name. The solution to the cipher confirms the answer to the puzzle and offers an additional challenge to the reader.

Treasure's Trove

Treasure's Trove: A Fairy Tale About Real Treasure For Parents And Children Of All Ages is an exemplified book for the kids, which has been written by Michael Stadther and was published in 2004 by Treasure Trove Inc.

The book rendered the so called "real treasure" when it gave an opportunity of decoding clues in the book that led to fourteen tokens that could be turned in for exceptional jewels, each representing an insect or characters from the book, or a cash prize representing one third of the jewel's value. Initially, it was reported that there were twelve jewels. The book has also been adapted  as a movie and has also won fourteen prizes. The book has a story of twelve forest creatures whose mates disappear after being crystallized by a dark dust that falls every evening. The forest creatures combine forces with Zac (the handsome woodcarver), Ana (his beautiful half-elf, half-human wife), and their hesitant, plump, winged "doth" Pook (inspired by the author's dog Misty) to save the creatures and restore the dying forest.

The book is available at lelobooks, an online bookstore in India and avail attractive discounts! So, to bring some stirring instances which will make you to brush up your imagination and thinking process, get this book.

Book Review: 2 States by Chetan Bhagat

The movie adaptation of 2 States retells the success story of  the most popular author of India, Chetan Bhagat. To his popularity the books written by him takes the credit for not just being the, but also being the first draft of screenplays which demands loads of things to be edited out and rewritten and also makes him, the most criticized author.

A product of Chetan Bhagat, 2 States is a novel which represents a love saga of a boy from North and a girl from the South. The book is an entertaining read and portrays the mindset of the Indian culture, when it come to marriage. In a country like India, where marriage is no less than a battle won. The book showcases the situation where the two halves of the couple are from two opposite regions, things are set to get tricky. This is the 4th novel by Chetan Bhagat had also been adapted way before in Chennai Express.

The story opens when Punjabi-boy Krish Arora, who meets Tamil-Brahmin-girl Ananya Swaminathan in the IIMA mess, where they both came for their higher education.

 Ananya gets into an argument with the mess worker, where Krish comes to her rescue and settle the issue between them and sacrificed his sweet dish, to the Ms. Popular of the college. Quite predictably, both of them fall in love and what follows is their journey of convincing their parents.

One of my favorite Indian authors, Chetan Bhagat has penned books  with numerous issues for his style of writing, yet we cannot deny the fact that this man has changed the face of Indian reading. The New York Times called him the biggest-selling English-language novelist in India’s history. The fact of his stories is that his tales are somewhat inspired from his life and which gives an extra advantage of making it more believable, and consequently popular among his fans.

The story moves between three cities – Ahmedabad, Delhi and Chennai (with a snapshot in Goa). While we are shown just a glimpse of the first city, the other two are described in full vigor. The writer intelligently captures the cultures of north and south India. While Krish’s mom and aunt will make you remember all your neighborhood aunties, Ananya’s parents are shown as typical conservative Tamilians. Needless to mention, the book is filled with hilarity, like a Tamil-speaking Sardar and verbal fights between Krish’s and Ananya’s mothers. The cynicism used never fails. In fact, in some instances made me rolling on the floor.

Both protagonists are likeable. While Krish juggles between his job and different cities in his attempt to marry the love of his life Ananya, she is sorting out problems as her marriage is fixed with some other guy by her parents.

I have read all the five books by Chetan Bhagat and found this one as the most intriguing and in my view, the book is the best from this author. He gives you a clear perspective of life in India. Though it is surely not a literary piece and is well written. People looking for intellectual stuff and serious theme may not like it. But all romance-lovers should surely go for it. It is a light hearted book. The book may not be an emotional roller-coaster, but will leave a smile after its completion!

The book is available at lelobooks, an online bookstore in India Order now and avail attractive discounts through online book shopping.

A paradigm of humorous chaos: The Competent Authority by Shovon Chowdhury

Penned by Shovon Chowdhury, the novel “The Competent Authority”holds the story which has been given a set up of futuristic India. The book is a political satire over the current national scenario, dealing in politics. Published by the Aleph book Company, the novel  has been placed with a high threshold.

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The Plot

India has been portrayed as we are in the 2030s is way far different from the present  world. It has been shown that the capital of the country is New Delhi, whereas Bengal has been shown as a protectorate of China. Haryana’s sex ratio has fallen down to a pitiable 400. After being nuked by China, the country is now secretly ruled by a person at top position and is known as Competent Authority (CA). The emission has had bizarre effects on people, one of them is Pintoo, a 12-year old boy who discovers that he possesses the power of bending space-time continuum after he gets mutilated by the Bank of Bodies. He decides to use his power for the good and sends three people: an Al-Qaeda operative, a CBI clerk and a corrupt cop to alter three major proceedings in Indian history.

The Good

The novel has been written in simple and palatable English without too many dull-witted words, having its central theme, which  is a satire which tends to make fun of everyone, be it certain traditions, assurances, politics or society. Though the book seems to read quickly with a touch of swish humor along with a hidden layer of deep philosophy lying underneath, questioning the likelihood of the constructed future being somewhat similar to the yet unknown one. The characters have been portrayed in response to the situation constructed. Some of them are completely comical and amusing that will leave you by rolling on the floor laughing while a few leave you with a smile. The plot too is fascinatingly structured. Pintoo’s assignment to fix the past with the help of a few adults forms the center plot, with the fanatically eccentric dystopic India, providing the milieu.

The Bad

The book seems to be a little lengthy  in terms of satire which sometimes happens to be a discouraging read. The font size till the page 452 is really small. Even if the characters have been shown and put across the novel in a very funny way, yet they seem to be a little unrealistic.

The central character of CA doesn’t live up to its authoritative designation, being heavily besieged by a hackneyed mindset and haphazard fool-like decisions. The author uses it in an explosively extreme amount, in every page and paragraph of the book. Perhaps the old saying – ‘too much of anything isn’t good’ seems to be true after reading this book.

Thus, the novel The Competent Authority can be read, if you have a lot of time to spare and have little patience. As you flip the pages, you will surely engross yourself in the story. The fans of satire and dark humor will surely like it.

Available at lelobooks, an online bookstore in India. To grab this political satire with loads of hilarious instances, order now and get your book at home.

Books that enlighten the soul...

Words are amazing and very effective as these can change the world and within you.it can be instructive, entertaining or even revolutionary; and are so powerful that these can make you laugh, cry, cheer and at the same time arouse anger in you. Books can redefine the world by inspiring you and changing the meaning of your life. As I combed through hundreds of books  I have compiled some of the inspirational books that will land you in the state of peace and hope. Here you will rediscover the old inspiring gems and I hope you enjoy reading this list as I enjoyed putting it together.

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

The book is about the habit that we all need to possess in order to be rich and successful. The book will help you to be a better person in your life, the only thing you need to have is the learning approach; as through this book Steven Covey will preach you with his road map for living and developing better habits.

Best quote: "Sow a thought, reap an action; sow an action, reap a habit; sow a habit, reap a character; sow a character, reap a destiny."

Think and Grow Rich

The book is highly influential as in this book, it has shown that Napoleon Hill interviewed "40 millionaires" to discover and bring out the common thought processes and behaviors that had led these millionaires to achieve success. The book is well researched and the study and survey of Napoleon Hill has mentioned the habits of millionaires as the "best practices", which stand to be revolutionary in a world where it was largely assumed that great wealth resulted from a combination of voracity and destiny.

Best quote: "All the breaks you need in life wait within your imagination. Imagination is the workshop of your mind, capable of turning mind energy into accomplishment and wealth."

Awaken the Giant Within

The author Anthony Robbins is distinguished from the other inspirational and motivational writers in two ways, as the author treats and considers training the mind and body as a technological challenge rather than moral urgency. The other thing which makes him different from the other writers is that he somehow manages to be both an inspirational role model and the most annoying guy on the planet.

Best quote: "If you can't, you must. If you must, you can."

So, just buy the inspirational books and get motivated in life to reach at the heights of success. Books available at lelobooks, an online bookstore in India, and get your books at the doorstep through online book shopping.

Review: My family and other animals by Gerald Durrell

“My childhood in Corfu shaped my life. If I had the craft of Merlin, I would give every child the gift of my childhood.” ― Gerald Durrell, My Family and Other Animals

The book is dedicated to the animals and animal lovers, giving a situation to imagine to move to a new exotic place, with your slightly unconventional family. Then, add some of the entertaining experiences with some of the most startling animals, a shooting adventure gone bad, lots of parties with unusual guests, animal hunting in the orchards of olives and grapes, swimming in the cool, brilliantly blue, dolphin filled seas, memorable picnics in the most unusual but beautiful places and you have the anecdote of this jewel of a book!

The Plot

The plot of the story is one of the most congenial, rib-tickling escapade comedy story. Penned by Gerald Durrell, “Family and Other Animals”, is the narration of childhood life in the exotic Greek Island of Corfu. The story tells that the Durrell family gets pissed off from severe winters and decides to move to a country with better weather. Just imagine what could be better than a Greek Island with its warm sunshine and gleaming azure waters? So the family impulsively moves to Corfu, a small Island with affable people and even friendlier fauna, giving them to start off with the experience of a lifetime. The book will take you to you through his escapades with turtles and terrapins(Who knew they were different!), water snakes and scorpions(Brrr!), magpies and seagulls, pigeons and dogs, frogs and geckos and so loads more!

The Characters

The book is incorporated with lots of appealing characters. The author has also thrown light on the members of Durrell family. The family of Durrell consists of a gentle, loving yet eccentric mother, a snobbish, self-interested elder brother Larry, who loves his books and wants to make it as an author, the acne – faced Margo, who has her fans, the gun-loving Leslie who loves his game and the nature loving Gerry who could pet almost any animal living in this planet.

The family initially looks like a dysfunctional family at the commencement, slowly transitions into a abnormal but adorable family and the author brings out this conversion marvelously. Other characters like that of Spiro, the chauffeur, Kosti the prisoner, Theodore and Mr. Krafelsky are also portrayed in a flamboyant manner that is detailed to a child’s eye, which is a far-fetched feat by the author and gives us a look into a child’s perception on so many things.

The Writing

The author has very well done his job with good writing style as he wins in transporting you the stunning world of Corfu with his words. The author is known for his natural flair of writing for humor and made me chuckle at the re-tellings of some of the incidents in the book. The incidents like Margo’s dramatic exit from the home only to get stuck in the storm, Larry’s surprise when he opens his matchbox for lighting his cigarette, Larry’s little gunfire adventure, the anger of the seagull, Mrs. Durell in her swimsuit and this all resulting into confusion with Roger will on your mind and leave you smiling even when you recount it. The author also grasps in his insights and well-portray different animals and their lives in between these incidents that will make you wonder why you never look at an animal the way Mr. Durell does. The author wheedles his readers with his melancholy narration of his piognant experiences with his family, his rather unusually named pets(Quasimodo, Puke, and animals in this wonderful book.

The Verdict

As Sunday Times describes it, this book is truly bewitching and will leave you wanting for more for sure. Truly a delightful read. The book is available at lelobooks, an online bookstore in India and can get the book at your doorstep through online book shopping! Hurry now and avail attractive discounts.

Recalling the reminisces of the past…

It’s time to take a look at the reminisces of the past by reading out some of the famous historical novels that represents the characters of the past time, in the process of portraying the era in a very sensible and realistic manner, in regard to its spirit and the fact. It is indeed very difficult to pick out the best and every reader has his opinion. So in my view, here are some of the best historical novels.

 

War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy

The books ‘War And Peace’ has been penned by Tolstoy and dates to around 1869 and is often described as the greatest ever - chronicles the effects of the Napoleonic wars on five aristocratic Russian families. It is considered as the masterpiece of the author is a tale of family life set against the backdrop of war, as Napoleon's armies sweep through Europe. Seen through the eyes of five Russian aristocratic families, the novel culminates in the French invasion of Russia in 1812 and Napoleon's defeat. It is widely considered to be Tolstoy’s finest work and one of the greatest novels ever written, historical or otherwise, even though the author himself said that it was “not a novel, even less is it a poem, and still less a historical chronicle”.

Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell

The novel Gone With the Wind has been written by Margaret Mitchell in the year 1936. The book is a powerful historical novel and has a setup of the period of  American Civil War, which happened in the years 1861-1865 and also tells about the story of the time of its reconstruction after the war. It narrates the tale of Scarlett O'Hara, a Southern belle who survives on her family's plantation, Tara. The story revolves around Scarlett's infatuation with her neighbor Ashley Wilkes.

The above mentioned two historical novels are the picks from my inventory of Historical novels, which take me to the past. The novels are very well narrated, taking the readers to the time when the war happened  these two are a must read and will surely delight you to the core.the books are available at lelobooks, an online bookstore in India. Just place your order through online book shopping  and get your book at your doorstep. Hurry now!

Happy days are here again…

We experience the days, when we feel low, disturbed, frustrated and out of energy and avoiding the problem can affect you in all the areas of your life. So, I am offering you a great help with some books that will make you feel better. You can call me a bibliophile, if you must as actually, books make me smile and rises a ray of hope inside of me, giving me enlightenment. I love getting lost in the world of tales through an intricate expedition, connecting with the characters on an emotional level and forgetting about my real life tensions. Yet, some books are deliberately written in order to make the readers happy, which inspires us to take the initiative about making our lives as cheerful as possible, despite of all tensions, rendering us positive outlook towards life. Here below I have mentioned some of my picks, which I found really interesting, leaving back a smile on my face with hopes in my heart.

Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell

The book has actually a theme which will take the readers to observe and read the combination of hard work, opportunity, and seizing the moment. Instead of celebrating prodigies, which has mentioned to be the theme of the book, the book has no such element  all in all, the book will inspire you to work harder, if not anything.

Candide by Voltaire

This book is from the genre of political satire and will truly entertain you and even compel you to read it twice as well. The book is chock-a-block with the contents of political satire, telling the realities of the period around 1759, but the book reads as if it is having the culture of the present  the books shows that in various ways, people of every era are pretty much same.

The Hogfather by Terry Pratchett

The book counts as a fantasy book and will take you to the period of Hogfather, who is similar to Santa. Some readers will start believing it while there would be some who won’t.Anything that undermines superstition has to be viewed with some caution. 

Just read this excerpt from the book by lelobooks and get ready to grab one and read it out:

Death: Yes. As practice, you have to start out learning to believe the little lies.

Susan: So we can believe the big ones?

Death: Yes. Justice, mercy, duty. That sort of thing.

Susan: They’re not the same at all.

Death: You think so? Then take the universe and grind it down to the finest powder, and sieve it through the finest sieve, and then show me one atom of justice, one molecule of mercy. And yet, you try to act as if there is some ideal order in the world. As if there is some, some rightness in the universe, by which it may be judged.

The above mentioned books are from different genre, but each one has a specialty of its own, which will make you to read each one of it. Available at lelobooks, best online bookstore in India. So what are you waiting for? Bring back your smile with these enticing books and by buying books online you can also avail attractive discounts which will be yet another factor for the smile on your face.

A delightful treat for football lovers

The FIFA World Cup 2014 has taken its charge and kicked off this Tuesday on June 12, commenced its first match between Brazil and Crotia and I am pretty sure that your guy is gonna be glued to the screen with popcorn basket in one hand and a beer in the other. Now, it is up to you to decide if you want to be Ms. Grumps and brood over it, or be a sport and join him in all the action and activity? If you are planning to be the fun  and sporty girl, then play along and get in the FIFA spirit with these awesome football fictions. Learn to talk football and get inspired with these top 10 favorites.

With the start of the season, many FIFA fans will be looking for good books to get more involved in the game. So instead of the famous fiction books by James Patterson novel or breaking down and reading Twilight with your family and friends, the folks at Lelobooks have decided to give you 11 of the best football books to tide you over until the framework starts heating up.
The following are books, which will entice every football fan in putting these on their reading list. The following books are sure of containing valuable content that every page is pure gold for those who love the game.

Some of these will be all comprised of the X's and O's. Others will help you in learning about the transition from high school football to college and the pro game, yet others will take you behind the scenes with a peek in the FIFA that other fans will never get to see. However, one thing is for sure that the mentioned books will be equally enjoyable than watching the game through SportsCenter along with that you'll learn a lot more as well.

More Than a Game: The Glorious Present and Uncertain Future of the NFL by Brian Billick and Michael MacCambridge

This book has been penned by the former Super Bowl-winning head coach, Brian Billick, dates itself a little bit as the "impending lockout" of 2011 is a somber theme all the way through its preliminary chapters. However, it will not let that stop you from reading this terrific thesis about the condition  and status of the game.

The book will provide you an opportunity to have a global look at the NFL, a view that other.fans will never get to witness. Instead of concentrating on one minuscule facet, Billick and MacCambridge have done a great job of enabling the readers to have a full view of the panorama of the state of professional football.

Take Your Eye off the Ball: How to Watch Football by Knowing Where to Look by Pat Kirwan

Kirwan, the former coach, personnel man and commentator, made an attempt to provide the football lover with a unique view of the game. In addition, even some of the popular and efficient coaches of the present era consider Kirwan one of the smartest men in the game and look up to him.

Thankfully, his media training also makes him very accessible for the everyday fan. Here, in the book the author Kirwan has tried to bring about today’s reality that we, the viewers do not look beyond the game and that there is so much to look for and pay attention to in the game. Rather than looking at the snap, the dropback and following the ball to its destination, Kirwan shows, fans the series of the book, the course running, the jamming and everything that happens on defense as well. The book penned by Kirwin is tremendously profound and thorough and will teach every fan, something or the other about the game that they have never heard before.

So, guys…what are you waiting for? FIFA has already taken its façade and I know that this fast paced sport attracts you along with millions of people out there. Just grab your book and get to know the facts that others do not know.about the football game. Order now at lelobooks, best online bookstore in India at attractive price!

Recalling books from October 2012

Planning to take a break and getting some time off from your work and lie under the bare sun in the sands of some exotic beaches or planning to have some time with yourself in the comfort of your home? The guys, you really need a good book which can give you a good company. So, just have a look at the below mentioned some exciting books that I have taken from my bookshelf, which dates to around two years back revising the books that released in October, 2012, something that’s sure to keep you flipping pages!

Lovetorn by Kavita Daswani

This international lifestyle journalist has returned, this time with a highly enjoyable, which attracts young adult chick-lit. Lovetorn is the tale of a teenage girl in the hunt for the help on the critical issue of love. The book is about a girl who moves to US along with her family and after reaching there, how she faces the awkwardness she faces in regard with her looks and personality, the fight to make friends and the challenge to stay loyal to the one she got engaged to before moving to the US.

Guru Dutt by Arun Khopkar and Shanta Gokhale

This book discloses the groundbreaking cinematic approach one of the masters of world cinema, Guru Dutt. Well-known filmmaker and intellectual Arun Khopkar and Gokhale is a Mumbai-based Marathi novelist, bilingual columnist, theatre historian, playwright, translator, and critic, personally observe and scrutinize the three best films of Sunil Dutt such as Pyaasa, Kaagaz Ke Phool and Sahib Biwi Aur Ghulam. Along with discovering the chronological context in which these films are set, the ins and outs of the cinematic means – like acting, music, lighting, editing and rhythm – are also examined and evaluated by Khopkar and Gokhale. The novel also emphasizes the point of view of Guru Dutt, for whom art was not just a thing of magnificence but an imperative element of living itself.

Books available at lelobooks, best online bookstore in India and avail attractive discounts. Hurry now and grab your book by placing an order through online book shopping.

Sweet, sensual and steamy distractions…

Book review: Eighteen Plus: Bedtime Stories. For Grown Ups by Apurv Nagpal

The novel, Eighteen Plus: Bedtime Stories. For Grown Ups is a wickedly Desi, quirky laugh-out-loud work of short stories. The book is written in a hilarious manner and has shown how men look at women, observing them by scanning in and out of them  the elements infused in the books are absolutely humorous  along with the addition of some of the naughtiest appraisals that are triumphantly combined to unfold a fresh redolence of a perfect recipe for cool bold generation of today.

I personally found the cover very scintillating and seductive as it magnetized me to just grab this book and have a look. The author has also chosen an apt title alerting the readers before only that it is meant for adults and not kids.

It consists of 18 stories and all the 18 stories have the wildness and naughtiness rendering a flavor of spice to the book. The stories complied in the book are a mix of passion and decision making ability of every individual. The narration has been kept in such a smooth and flowing way that each story after one and another, shaking you out of reverie. It creates a scene of gaucheness at first, but has a lot of potential in it. The stories are demanding with their open ended discussion on many insightful subjects all allied to sex in some or the other way. The stories have been incorporated with some real time adventures blended with fiction, which render the book a pretty interesting prospect for the readers.  

The downside of the book is having a repetitive theme of sex hungry women in many stories. According to my opinion, it could have been changed a bit writing in the view of both the sides. Few stories like story no. 5,6,10 and 15 could have been touched in a more authentic and rational manner.

All in all, the book will provide you with a humorous experience by reading an anthology based on sex, modern day predicaments and will provide you with a rich mix of youth and old and their share of experiences. It's not a regular romantic book, but has a different touch with its contemptible audacity and sheer impudence. The book has all the s of spicy, saucy, raunchy along with infusing a bit of realistic element as well. It's hard to guzzle it at first, but it can be absorbed and enjoyed in a slow and steady manner by a reader.

The book is sure to be enjoyed and adored by gen-next which is becoming more and more liberal in both thoughts and in its sexual expression and certainly describes well the  coming of age n true sense as it  claims to be.

 The book is racy and colorful enough to make it a delightful read. The stories are light-hearted and fun to read with an appealing writing style of prose. It is a great package of entertainment and the wit and humor in it, will intrigue you, leaving you rolling on the floor laughing

If you are looking for a quick fix of tasteful risqué amusement for your laid back lazy weekend.

About the Author:

A graduate from the Shri Ram College of Commerce and an MBA from IIM Ahmedabad, Apurv Nagpal has worked in the corporate world in various capacities for over twenty years. His interests, other than writing, include sports (he saw the last four FIFA Soccer World Cups live), travel (he has been to all the seven continents and once nearly drove to the North Pole), wines, cocktails and cinema (he regularly reviews the latest movies on his blog.) His Twitter handle is @apurvnagpal.

The book is available at lelobooks, the best online bookstore in India! So just place an order to grab your book at an attractive price.