Review: Karachi, You’re killing me! by Saba Imtiaz

Karachi, you’re killing me! Penned by Saba Imtiaz is a debut story by a young reporter and what’s more surprising element in it is that it is a chick lit. Let’s just find out if the author is upto the mark, matching with the wide acclaims and high expectations from her writing. Mohammed Hanif says: “Racey, pacey and laugh-out-loud funny. A Murree beer-soaked love letter to Karachi and journalism.”

PLOT

Karachi, you’re killing me! is the introductory novel of Saba Imtiaz, which is commonly acknowledged as Bridget Jone’s diary, which has a story revolving around Ayesha, the girl in her late twenties. She is a Pakistan-based journalist and has a bad job, a ruthless boss, no love life, insufficient salary, and a father who loves a cat more than her and what's worse can you ask for! Her task is to report at bomb sites and find her way through scattered bodies. Above all, it is her only way for survival. Definitely, the novel will give you many reasons to cry! In her miserable life, her only sources of comfort are her friends Zara and Saad.

The novel will begin in a daily diary manner, and all the events are incorporated in a chronological way dating from 31 December 2011 to May 11, 2014. In between the 260 pages, the life of this pretty girl changes completely and I would say that being her companion through this journey won’t be a bad idea.

CHARACTERS

Imtiaz did an excellent job in describing the characters in the book and makes them come to life and even the CAT is likeable, with just a little bit of an overdose of Murree Beers in the book.

THE GOOD

The writing style of the author is sharp and witty. The story in the book is fast paced and a real page turner and while you will turn the pages you will find a bit of humor here and there, entertaining you throughout the story. Though you will find the story a bit expected and predictable, still the way it is presented makes all the difference! The characters are close to reality and may people will be able to identify themselves in them. The novel will give you a glimpse of Karachi in Pakistan

 THE BAD

There is a constant whining and cribbing about things by the protagonist throughout the story, which will irritate the readers after a point of time, as a reader would also seek for some peace point while reading the book and there he can get a bit disappointed. While writing the writer has gone overboard with the problems in the life of the protagonist, Ayesha and has not even given a single ray of hope in her life throughout the novel.

FINAL VERDICT

All in all, Karachi, You’re killing me is a nice book and can be categorized as one time read and can be enjoyed with a can of Murree beer.

 “I smile and walk out of the hotel, feeling exhilarated. I look back at the doors, through which I had walked in defeated just a few hours ago. I look up at the sky and smile. Perhaps my luck has finally changed?”

The book is available at lelobooks, an online bookstore in India, which is offering an attractive discount on the books of the author Saba Imtiaz and especially over this book as we have great expectations from the literary works of the author.

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.

Modi’s take on black money

From a mere chaiwala to the current Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi has already started off with his work on the very first day of his Prime Ministerialship. The government of Narendra Modi on Tuesday (27th May, 2014) seems to bang on job as Modi announced the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate and explore black money, which has been mostly salted away in foreign countries. The decision was taken in the first meeting of the union cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Modi, who further declared that the SIT will be headed by a retired Supreme Court judge, M B Shah and the decision on the SIT is in compliance with the Supreme Court. Telecom Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad will also be one of its head and the vice-chairman of the SIT will be another former SC judge, Arijit Pasayat.

"In light of the directions of the Supreme Court, we have constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to unearth the black money. It was an important issue for us, and therefore it is a matter of assurance for us," Ravi Shankar Prasad told media here today. It will be assisted by the revenue secretary, directors of CBI, IB, RAW and ED, the CBDT chairman and an RBI deputy governor. The government was given a week by the SC to set up an SIT.

A press release added, "The SIT has been charged with the responsibility and duties of investigation, initiation of proceedings and prosecution in cases of Hasan Ali and other matters involving unaccounted money."

The team has decided the names of SIT members and have declared publicly also including secretary revenue, deputy governor of the Reserve Bank of India, director of the Intelligence Bureau, director of the Enforcement Directorate, director of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), chairman of the Central Board of Direct Taxes and director of the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW).

The team of SIT constitutes all the highest level of financial, revenue and economic management of the country, which clearly indicates indicates the highest level of commitment of the new government of India, as stated by the minister. He further added, "We are committed to fighting black money".

Another added statement declares that “The SIT will also work out a comprehensive action plan to create an institutional structure that would enable the country to fight the battle against unaccounted money. It would report on the status of its work to the court from time to time”.

In a report in 2011, the ruling government of present India, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), had predicted India's black economy to be between $500 billion to $1.4 trillion. In addition BJP was the main opposition of the ruling party of 2011, Congress.  The US-based think tank Global Financial Integrity has pegged the illicit money outflow from India to the tune of $462 billion.

The black money is the money which is earned and relocated unlawfully in foreign countries in order to save tax, like Cayman Islands and Mauritius. It has been surveyed that nearly one third of black money transactions are believed to be in real estate sector. Also, manufacturing, gold and consumer goods purchases are the other major areas, where black money transactions can be made as to avoid paying tax to the government.

Stay tuned with lelobooks, an online bookstore and keep yourself updated with the latest happenings on politics.