Book Review: The Secret Wishlist by Preeti Shenoy

Is it true that true love really still exist or is it just a cliche? Can a single kiss really change your life? 

The book unfolds the hidden secrets of Diksha, when she was at sixteen. Like any other girl of her age, Disha, finds her life revolving around school, boys and endless hours of fun with her best friend. However, all this changed one day, which put her to misery for the major part of her life.The novel starts with the present-day Diksha, who is 34 years old, the protagonist of the story. The book revolves around the character and with flashbacks she starts to tell her tale when she was around sixteen.

It starts with an innocent crush explodes into something far beyond her control. And, now after eighteen year, she finds herself at the crossroads of life. Urged by a twist of events, she makes a wish list. But, do you think this wishlist can help her getting her life back? Will she fall into the place to commit illegitimate things for the sake of her wish list? Or will she be thrown into the life of misery forever? Find out the answers by reading the novel by Preeti Shenoy, who has once again brought out an extraordinary story that tugs at the heartstrings, with insight and astuteness, as she explores the frail and fragile matters of the heart.The Secret Wish List is an enchanting, interesting, a racy tale about following your heart, hounding your dreams and the valuing the friendship in your life. 

My Take:

I personally like Preeti’s work for the fact that she is a great storyteller. She has a potential to create a magical story out of a mediocre plot and to some extent she has proved it. The plot itself is not much to talk about; as it is another emotionally inclined story of an abused housewife whose married life takes a toll on her and finally one fine day she stands up for herself and break the shackles that tied her, which breaks her free from stifling marriage. The first half of the novel seems to be repetitive and looks like it is just another emotional story like other books.

However, the second half of the novel that picks up broken pieces of the plot and delivers a collision. Preeti’s easy and straightforward narration along with her consideration to little details create a graphic representation. The characters are well-etched out and again and has delivered minute details about the behavior of the character, which has been carefully thought of. For example: In the initial pages of the book when Diksha joins a Bharatanatyam class, even though she wants to learn Bollywood dancing, yields to her mother’s decision. The character of Diksha has been shown as subservient and submissive. This detailed attention to the characters is the signature of Preeti’s writing style.

The novel is written in a flowing manner with simple and easy language, except for a few editing glitches that does mar the book otherwise.

A warm, heart-touching anecdote about a woman who tries to break free from her abusive husband and find her own calling. The novel is an enjoyable read! The book is available at lelobooks, an online bookstore in India.

Read this book? Now, what are you waiting for? Go and write down your wish list, you never know, how it can change your life.

Movie Review: Mary Kom

Bhartiya Nari- yes, this Indian woman has earned a lot of international respect with her sport and today she is recognized as the boxing legend, popularly known as the bravura Mary, full name is Mangte Chungneijang Mary Kom belongs to the Kom tribal community of the Manipur state. The queen of Indian Boxing is the five-time winner of the World Boxing championship and where she won medals for each one. As a magnificent Mary she is the only Indian boxing woman who was qualified for the 2012 Summer Olympics where she got a bronze medal.

After the great success of Bhaag Milkha Bhag movie, the next would be Mary Kom. Produced by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Mary Kom, the movie is a biopic movie on the Indian personality Mary Kom, the only Indian woman boxer whose life has been adapted in a biopic movie. The Priyanka Chopra starrer movie Mary Kom, is looking forward to its huge success like the earlier biopic movies in Bollywood and the actor is playing the leading role in the biopic movie of Mary Kom. This great Bollywood actor is very excited to play her biopic on the screen as well as she the right star chosen by the producer and director of the film. Priyanka Chopra, a famous movie starrer, has expressed her feeling that she would also love to play the role of Mary Kom on the screen.

Priyanka Chopra even visited Kom's hometown in Manipur  to learn more about the life of Mary Kom. While the visit Miss.Chopra was shared advices from Mary Kom and she stated "When she came to Manipur, she knew about boxing so I gave her tips as a mother and a wife, how I went about managing my home and profession, how I live with my family — basically she got to know aspects about my family. Priyanka also suffered an injury while shooting for the film. "

While filming the boxing scene, she acted in the presence of the actor from the North-East and while filming the scene, she fell on the floor due to the impact. She got the shot spot on, so director Omung Kumar decided to retain it. The cut mark that you will eventually see on screen under her eye is real, but we did touch it up with makeup to make it look deeper," says Uday Shirale, who has been working on Priyanka's look. The film is scheduled to release in two versions, one for Indian audience and another for International audiences. Now-a-days, Priyanka Chopra is busy in promoting her movie at various reality shows as well.

Priyanka Chopra is playing the role of Mary Kom’s life. Chopra even has undergone an extensive training schedule for the role of a boxer for 10 days to ensure physicality and agility is well in place before the shoot. People have started taking interest towards the Mary Kom biopic from now. Omang Kumar, the director of the film, is ready with his  film with the star Priyanka Chopra and is excited for its release. After the release and success of one of the biopic movie Bhaag Milkha Bhaag on Milkha Singh, this movie also hopes and looks forward towards its success. The next on Mary Kom, is set to be released on 5 SEP 2014.

So just keep yourself free on 5^th September as it will show you that with hard work and modesty, along with the support of loved ones, you can taste success and reach at heights. Women will definitely be inspired by the tale of coarse boxer, who successfully managed the career, which demands both physical and mental strength while playing both her roles of a wife and mother.

You can also read the book, which states an autobiography of Mary Kom, from which the movie has been adapted. Both the book and the movie are going to interest you, irrespective of your age, as you will be uplifted by the story.

For more updates, stay tuned with Lelobooks, an online bookstore in India!

Steering the Dating World: Ladies Please! Dating Truths by a Man by Jose Covaco

Ladies Please! Dating Truths by a Man, penned by MTV’s VJ Jose Covaco is a self help book tended for the broken hearted as well as people struggling in the dating world. As you will flip the pages of this book, you will discover

The book starts off with a detailed description of the author’s various failed relationships and further it will tell you about the various stereotypes of dating in India and how it is different from western countries. The author then gives us a horrendously long guidebook of do’s and don’ts of dating.

However, I am sure that the book might help some people with the whole dating game as Jose has tried his level best to provide females a glimpse of what’s going on inside the mind of a man. I personally find it very boring. It feels like you are reading an instruction manual of what to do and what not to to bag a date.

Then, while you will flip the pages you will discover that there is a lot of repetition of content and the book could easily have been written with less pages and with repetition it has left me perplexed me at various moments. There is not much for learning about women in this book, as the author says women are mysterious (which I think every individual is, be it a female or a ,male). The writing style could have been better. The book is humorous and also contains sarcastic remarks, but sometimes it seemed to get a bit wily and desiccated Besides all this, you can see that Covaco has put in a lot of effort into this book and has done a commendable job.

If you are one of those, who is trying a lot to find a date, but is left in vain, then just go for it, never know if it works for you. To get more reviews, stay tuned with Lelobooks, an online bookstore in India! 

Movie Review: Guardians of the Galaxy

Directed by James Gunn, "Guardians of the Galaxy" is an action movie. With the duration of about 121 minutes and has came from the studio that brought up avengers and ironman3.

The movie is about the uncertainty of the future of the galaxy, whose present is pleasant. Like the movie's star, its director was an audacious choice for a mega budget-space opera, and a smart one; his movie making style is rich in oddity,his most prominent feature until now was the horror comedy "Slither." Mr. Gunn gives this production a free-swinging style. The whole story revolves around to save the orb from wrongful hand A bounty hunter finds himself pursued by powerful enemies after the former theft an uncertain future of the galaxy. Realizing that the orb can be disastrous in the wrong hands, he made a team with four other dodgy individuals, all united by a common cause - to keep the orb (and what it contains) from the wrong hands.

The people who made this movie must have had a bad time in the process, and it's nice to see a summer epic that takes itself so non-seriously. Eventually the wink-and-nod whimsicality wears thin, and you Imagine how this errant gang is going to keep its antics fresh in subsequent episodes. For now, though, Marvel has maintained its standards in the action department—cluttered or not, the screen is alive with marvelous images—and has won a crucial gamble on its star. Peter is not only a good man playing outlaw; he is, as played by Mr. Pratt, a good nature guy and an exemplary pleasant American hero. "I couldn't let you die," he spoke to  Gamora after curing her life. "I found something inside myself incredibly heroic—not to brag." The disclaimer isn't needed. We get that Peter enjoys himself, so we're up for enjoying him.

For more updates and releases, stay tuned with Lelobooks, an authentic online bookstore in India.

Celebrate Friendship Day with Friendship-themed literary gems

“Good friends, good books, and a sleepy conscience: this is the ideal life.” ― Mark Twain

Friendship is a bond between two different souls, it shows the compatibility of two different individuals, who share and care each other. We all have lots of friends in our life, but a few are special ones for whom we all like to do something. This celebrated day is celebrated on the first Sunday of August every year. So this year it is falling on 3 of August and is standing just after a day, so guys have you planned something for your friends. Giving gifts and friendship bands is an old idea of giving your friends a token of love, this year I have brought you with a unique idea of showing love to your friends and it will be with them forever, making them realize the value of the bond between you two. Books on some real friendship is one I would like to opt as it is said that books are friends forever and when it is given by your best friend it all the more increases its importance as telling you the importance of your friendship and will help them to carve their lives. Moreover, if your friend is among the bibliophiles, then there is nothing better than a book by his/her favorite author.

Here below are some books with the theme of friendship that you can gift to your friend, showing their importance in your life.

The 3Mistakes of my Life

The book by the youth icon of India, Chetan Bhagat, who has made his contribution to the Indian literature. Known for his informal style of writing, has written one of the most recognized books in India, The three mistakes of my life, which has even been adapted by the Indian cinema and has been a huge hit, not only in India but all across the world. The book is the story of Govind, Ishaan and Omi are three friends, whose friendship is in danger when dirty communal politics drives frictions between them. The novel unravels the actuality of relations, when on stake and shows that how even the truest of friendships may even lead to split by pressures, however, when talking about the real and true friendship,  this unraveling is temporary.

The JoyLuck Club

The book is about the four Chinese-born women, who emigrate to America for looking out better standard of living for themselves and most importantly, their children. The novel tells the reason of their regular meetings in the name of the games of Mahjong, sharing their lives, competing with each other to present their own families in the best hope and supporting each other in the times of crises.

Penned by Amy Tan as her debut novel has given her an instant prominence. She has incorporated an evocative style of writing, which has been beautifully presented with lots of expressions, making readers to delve completely into the book. A must-read novel!

The LittleBook of Friendship

‘There is no greater desert or wilderness than to be without true friends.’ The expression has been rightly portrayed in the novel which has a collection of stories based on friendship. In this beautiful assortment, Ruskin Bond has incorporated his favorite proverbs on friends and friendship. This charming assemblage is told  in the most simplistic manner with a blend of gentle humor, which is a trademark in the books of Ruskin Bond. It is indeed a heartwarming book, meant for those times when one’s spirits are at their ebb. Read this book which will surely bring a smile on your face.

The above mentioned books are available at Lelobooks, an onlinebookstore in India. So indulge in a fun-filled activity of online book shoppingin Gurgaon and have your desired books at your doorstep. Connect with Lelobooks and get attractive discounts.

Liked our picks? If you have names of better books which should be included, the so called, friendship-themed literary gems. Do tell us.

The best of RK Narayan

RK Narayan, less commonly known as Rasipuram Krishnaswami Iyer Narayanaswami, is far and wide recognized as one of the greatest and most admired writers in Indian literature. He has made his trademark with his pithiness and elegance, which contributed a lot to the society while introducing this genre to the rest of the world.

While giving an ode to R. K. Narayan, one should remember that it will be only completed while mentioning his great literary work, The Malgudi Days , the streets and alleys in the book are as familiar to a Narayan fan as the secret passages of Hogwarts are to a Potterhead! If you recall his literary works, the backdrop of almost all of his works have been set as fictional town, which is believed to be anticipated on the length of the lines of Bangalore. Narayan was distinguished as one of the most intelligent authors of his age and even in this present era, people still looked up at his works with an impression of remarkable pieces. For example: His book, the Malgudi, has showcased a dynamic entity – the town we read of in his debut novel (1935) is conspicuously different from that in his last fictional work, The World of Nagaraj (1990).

This great Indian author passed away in 2001, at the great age of 94. As with all great artists, his inheritance lives on in his magnificently simple yet beautiful stories. We bring to you a rundown of Narayan’s top 3 works that cannot be missed, while reminiscing his works!

SWAMI AND FRIENDS

The author infuses a deceptively simple theme along with the everyday trials and tribulations of a young boy who attends the Albert Mission School in Malgudi. The writer shows his genius while managing to make this, a fairly straightforward story told from a 10-year-old’s point of view, into one of the most beloved and highly acclaimed stories of our time. The most fascinating part which attracts the readers while reading his works is the minute details and descriptions that will take you back to a different place and time.

THE ENGLISH TEACHER
This novel is perhaps the most tragic of all Narayan’s works and is also the most personal of his stories. He dedicated this book to his wife and the events that are infused in the book giving it an essence are actually Narayan’s own experiences of personal loss and survival. This one is also liked by me from the Narayan collection; it has a certain raw edge and beguiling honesty which differentiates it from most of his other polished, shaded literary works.

 
THE GUIDE

The most hyped book of Nrayan, The Guide, which was even adapted as a movie in the Bollywood, starring Dev Anand- Waheeda Rehman and received a tremendous  response! This is the story of a happy-go-lucky young man’s infatuation and overpowering obsession with a little-known dancer by the name of Rosie and how this obsession enables him to make her a national celebrity, Nalini. And what comes into his hands at the end? A life of solitude or can be called as a spiritual abandonment.

The above mentioned are my most favorite books from the collection of R.K Narayan and there are lots more book by the author at lelobooks, an online bookstore in India. To read the works of this great Indian author, just place your order and buy books online to get them at your doorstep.

Movie Review: Hate Story 2

Hate Story 2, the sequel of Hate Story which released in the year 2012 has come out with a new vengeful woman,the character played by Surveen Chawla, the Tv actress and has contributed to the Punjabi Cinema is now making her debut in the Bollywood with a popular name in the television Jay Bhanushali.

The debutant director has done a great job by making this good watch for the society. The movie is actually a social drama and traces the track of Rakesh Roshan’s Khoon Bhari Maang and Quentin’s Kill Bill movies. The movie will also entertain the audience with the extra dose of erotica that has been added to the screenplay, which rendered a fascinating touch to the film. Other than the story of the female protagonist, Surveen, the movie also showcases a story of sultry Bengali actress, who gives a high point to the story, Paoli Dam, who strips well and wore bare skin like a wounded badge of honor. 

The movie has a plot where Surveen plays the character of Mistrewss to a powerful Politian, Mandar Mhatre, played by Sushant Singh. On the contrary, she is shown as a simple girl who seeks to taste the real love, where she falls in love with a fellow guy, Jay Banushali, who is a photographer at profession. The couple elope away to set up their paradise away from the eyes of the power drunk politician. Both the actors in the lead role have done an impressive job with their acting skills. The movie has a thriller factor which will interest you to the core.
However, the character played by Sushant Singh,  powerful politician, steal the show with his influence in the lives of the protagonist as well as for his powerful performance.
On the flip side, the proceedings on screen lack cadence which is must-required for an erotic thriller. However, to stop you from being restless, the filmmaker has cleverly roped in adult-star Sunny Leone to shimmy. She beckons you to look at her pink lips in an item number.

For more new about its box office collection , stay tuned with Lelobooks, an online bookstore in India!

Witness the scenario of lust and lies with Scandalous Housewives: Mumbai by Madhuri Banerjee

Madhuri gives us a peek into the modern Indian housewife who isn’t afraid to love and follows her heart. - Huma Qureshi.

Madhuri Banerjee is back with another thesis on love, which comes of age and relationships, she has come up with her latest literary work, Scandalous Housewives: Mumbai by Madhuri Banerjee, which is an effort to expose the housewives from the upper strata in Mumbai. The book in particular has targeted an area in Mumbai known Sapphire Towers, which is just another residential society in Mumbai and accommodates the high profile people of Mumbai. The author, in the book has thrown light on the lives of the housewives and their humdrum routines, that is carried out with clockwork precision. Now, enough of this household work and monotony in the lives of these ladies, let’s just move on to the actual side of their lives, which has been very graciously hidden under the thick sheet of lies and deceit which has been adapted by a group of lonely housewives.

Madhuri has taken a few examples of the housewives from the mentioned society and describing their monotonous lives which led them to indulge in illegitimate activities. First, the author has talked about the mother of two young daughters, Gita, who has a boring marriage and wants to escape from it and from the lust from her forbidden relationship. Then, she has talked about Sarita, who is a Gujarati housewife and a mother and is really addicted to so called ‘kinky sex’ and even pays a good price for it. By taking housewives from different backgrounds, further Madhuri talks about a stylish working mother, who carries a horrendous secret in her heart, which could even lead her marriage to an end. And then there is a sultry model Natasha, who seems to have it all and is desperately in love with a boy of about half of her age who is in addition the son of one of her friends. The book shows that each woman in the Sapphire Towers scrambles to conceal her darkest secret, however an anonymous email is sent to each of these women with appalling effects.

The novel is undoubtedly interesting as it is racy and unputdownable. The new series of Scandalous Housewives: Mumbai has started with its first book with sizzling story and action-packed climax by bestselling author Madhuri Banerjee. Through the book, the author has told the unsung stories of housewives in urban India who will go to any extents to fulfill their deepest and darkest desires. Scandalous housewives is a darkly humorous take on the lives of three housewives in three metros. She adds, “I’m trying to create a plethora of different characters”. She further adds “Love and relationships are important to everyone,”. “How much you are willing to give, defines who you are,” says the former screenplay writer, columnist, blogger and author. “Relationships fascinate me and it always intrigues me how they impact everyone’s life.”

Fascinating Facts

• From the bestselling author of losing my virginity and other dumb ideas, mistakes like love and sex and advantage love comes another scintillating tale of love, sex and difficult relationships.
• The first in a series, scandalous housewives - Mumbai is a modern take on Indian housewives which will speak to a wide readership.
• The dilemmas of the four women-a loveless marriage, fetishes, impossible relationships and secrets in their past-are relatable and their stories will have mass appeal.
• Even though the book is based in Mumbai, the stories of these women are universal and can be read by women of all ages across the country.

Author's Bio

Madhuri Banerjee is a bestselling author, a blogger with CNN-IBN, a screenplay writer for Bollywood films, an Ad film director, a columnist with Asian Age and a mother. She has her own production house, Gray Matter Solution, that makes ad films and TV shows. She has also won a National Award for her documentary on women's issues called Between Dualities. Currently, she is the face of Revlon as their Relationship Expert.

Expose the realities of these housewives living in Sapphire Towers by reading the book and be aware of what your wife does after you leave for the office. So just read out this book and be aware what’s happening around you. The book is available at lelobooks, an online bookstore in India and also avail attractive discounts.

How To Become A Billionaire By Selling Nothing by Aditya Magal

The book How To Become A Billionaire By Selling Nothing, written by Aditya Magalis based on the egotistical investor and stock broker. The novel follows the breathtaking life, which can be convincingly termed as the ‘larger than life’ of a multi billionaire, who is also recognized as The Bull of Dalal Street – Sir Sri Jhunjhunwala!

Here in the book, it is mentioned that Mr. Jhunjhunwala is presented with a business proposal for investment in a company that produces an extraordinary product, “Nothing”! Faced with a ludicrous offer and a frantic man, Ramakant Shastri, Mr. Jhunjhunwala gives notice to the entrepreneur with a lakh of rupees for psychiatric help. Mr. Jhunjhunwala has a fun day, until it takes a turn for the worse and he ends up in the hospital where he is advised to have compulsory rest. After this rest holiday, Mr. Jhunjhunwala returns to his life where he finds himself in the middle of a hype over Nothing, only to have to suppress his ego and take the high road. What ensues is a fiasco with a law suit after law suit over patent plagiarism and environment endangerment.

The protagonist of this entire circus production is Ramakant Shastri and can be said as the brain behind Nothing. He is an overly ambitious person with an unmatched hunger for wealth and victory. His blindsided approach to business is what led to his end.

The author Aditya Magal has put in a considerable effort while delivering a caricature filled with sardonic jibes and humorous references. The book puts forth a straightforward and sometimes in-your-face depiction of the country, dragging along any and everyone who could be a potential candidate for charade. The book could have been a total roller coaster ride, if only written a little more dexterity and a little more subtlety would have been added to it. Here, there at various points where the mockery has been felt forced and unnecessary. Also, the author has incorporated a lot of exaggeration for the sake of laughter, which in contrary is felt as lengthy and troubling to the line of thought. The revelation of the master plan at an early stage made it anticlimactic, and took away the real essence. Undoubtedly, the character development is good and despite all super human exaggerations, all the characters, including Mr. Jhunjhunwala, are at the core, humans with very inbred reactions!

All in all, a good effort by a debut writer, who has given the society a good book for light mood. The book had a brilliant foundation and there is this line of thought that it could have been enormously sidesplitting, had it not tried too hard.

Want to read the fake Rakesh Jhunjhunwala by Aditya Magal, log on to lelobooks.com and grab this book at an amazing price. Buy books online and get attractive discounts as well as win great exciting gift hampers.order now and have your book at your doorstep.

Book Review: "What Would I Tell her @13 is penned by Sudesna Ghosh

"What Would I Tell her @13 is penned by Sudesna Ghosh, who has dedicated her literary work to the new Indian teenage girl, her parents and all others who are trying to survive this phase. Child psychologists and parents who have passed the milestone don't lie. The book tells that the terrible teens start with an overpowering bang at the age of thirteen and following that the things are tend to be tough and rough, so dear parents its an alarming tone for you to get prepared to handle and tackle the stubbornness and obstinacy of your child after 13.

This book assembles together the ideas and stories that are jam packed with sentiments, insight and optimism, which will definitely make you cry, cause a laugh or two or more. The book will provide you chart that will enable you to drive your own path of navigating the teenage years and preparing for a life full of success and achievement.

The book is multi-functional book which will not only guide the parents, but also will entertain you with its stories and will prove to be a good teacher for your teenage child. It features essays from flourishing women of different ages and backgrounds, who have shared their experiences, reminiscences,and learnings from being a teenager in India.

The book also incorporates interviews of famous personalities like Meher Pudumjee Anjali Raina Avantika AkerkarMalini Agarwal Rashmi Uday Singh KomalSood Anjali Sharma Ishi Khosla SuhasiniHaidar Shikha UberoI Tanusree Shankar Preeti Vyas Rimi B Chatterjee PranaadhikaSinha Devbarman Sheena Misra GhoshSpecial Feature With Pooja Dhingra.

Sudesna Ghosh is a Kolkata-based short story writer and has been published in seven Chicken Soup titles. The books written by her are available at lelobooks, an online bookstore in India and in order to get the best discounts, order now!

The power of mind…

In the world of cosmos, where we have been created by this vast expanded universe, have you ever wondered how well do we all know about our creator, the universe? Plus, when we have been gifted by this so called universe with a unique attribute, the mind which renders us the power to think, now the question arises that how well do we know about this gift given to us by this universe and how well do we actually use it in our daily lives. Well, before you get into a race of running your mind’s horses, let me tell you this simple fact that mind has power to create its own realities and a universe for itself. There have been always such questions asked as who created whom, was it the universe which created mind or vice-versa, leaving us with our imaginations and knowledge. It has always been taught that the mind generates knowledge and thereafter creating generalities, which in turn unravels the secret of its own creator, which is better known as the universe and even structure a universe for itself, which is constantly evolving.

Mind, is otherwise stands as the crux through which universe governs and regulates its own evolutionary path. Moreover, the perfection of mind is mandatory for the right evolution of universe.

Ecological Healing

The healing of mind is when translated into ecological healing, it defines the saving of the living planet and humanity. It has been surveyed that the environmental pollution and ecological disruption are the consequences of polluted mind and this fact is unraveled by Henryk Skolimowski’s theory, which states the mind in human beings have the magical potential to create and reform the universe. It says that the mind mends and heals itself, provided the fact that it is nurtured with the right philosophy. The mind does not mend and heal itself; but also contributes in healing the tormented planet as well. To this Henryk has stated, “The healing of the world and of ourselves within and a new understanding of universe are complementary aspects of the same process”. Thus, it becomes obvious that the virtues of the mind are the virtues of the world in which we usually find ourselves indulged in, and vice-versa.

The Participatory Mind

Henryk’s philosophy of participatory mind will assist us in realizing the central role of the mind in designing new cosmologies, ontologies and in determining social behavior or an individual. This theory tells that the mind is central to everything, every process and phenomenon and this universe is also a product of the mind for it shapes it and makes a space for us to live in.

A Holistic View

To wrap up with this, I would like to add a little in it, with the help of science with its holistic view in recognition with its inter connection with nature of its existence. A new mind in the universe appears to be evolving caressed by the universe, which will further help create a universe with a new world blossoming with happiness and completeness of life.

To know more about healing the world with the tactics of the mind stay tuned with Lelobooks, an online bookstore in India; and browse some spiritual books at the bookstore and avail some attractive discounts on your favorite books.

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!

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!

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.

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!