All it takes is one man! Review of ‘The Imperative Subterfuge’
To conceal, escape, or evade is certainly not what Rickie Khosla had in mind while writing this book. He hasn’t let any relevant byte of truth go unaddressed and hasn’t attempted to evade embarrassing questions. However, using ‘deceit in order to achieve one’s goal’ is brought out rather well and this is what writers need...
Perchpectives of an Alexandrine Parakeet. Review of Free fall – The journey home
Is this a fable or a parable? Doesn’t matter, really. What matters is that the book takes you deep sea diving into life rejuvenating snippets that are actually giant-sized chunks of philosophy simplified for any reader. The inside blurb of the book does mention that the book is ‘about friendship, learning to trust, letting go,...
We have to act, sir. Review of ‘The Karachi Deception’
Well, the title I have chosen for this review tells me a lot about what is there in this thriller. There are people putting up an act, there are those to whom these words are like a catalyst, and yet again there are times when the same words become a grim pointer to some ground...
I preserve. I nurture. I elevate. Review of ‘My lawfully wedded husband’
I was helplessly spell-bound and I’m sure, like the author, ‘I loved it all. I love travelling, so I was happy just’ reading and ‘drinking it all in.’ The stories in the collection took me into little nooks and corners of strange minds and unknown perceptions and I loved going there. From the unlawfully wedded...
His life was a series of deceptions. Review of ‘Mothers, lovers and other strangers’
There are many ways this review can be twisted and turned. I can easily say that despite the title of the book, it is an engrossing murder mystery where Inspector Waghle travels far north for the sake of unravelling the truth that was simply trying its best to get erased. But no, the book isn’t...
Lion, Jackal, or Adder. Review of ‘Beaten by Bhagath’
I’m still convinced that the title of this review should have been: ‘Beat a potato by being another potato’ but I decided on ‘Lion, Jackal, or Adder’ because, like the author, I too feel that writers need to choose a character for themselves. Well, the choice isn’t limited to these animals as I know a...
The Recession Gigolos: Review of ‘The Homing Pigeons’
‘You passed out and the bar owners were about to throw your sorry ass out on the street. I intervened and brought you to my hotel. I undressed you, sent your clothes to the laundry, cleaned you up and put you to bed.’ I am completely horrified. Like I said, this doesn’t happen often. ‘Since...
As the night grew darker… Review of ‘RIP’
Nerves stretched to breaking point now. Then all four were on board. Now! ‘Zorawar,’ Krishna hissed into the headset. Along with the code word to commence strike, the flash bang in his hand was cast forward. Just like that, the operation attained critical mass. The flash bangs exploded with mind-numbing roars. Breaking out of the...
Stand out. Review of ‘Personal branding for Dummies’
Susan Chritton helpfully informs us that ‘success stories inevitably involve people who stand out from the crowd’ and that ‘no one is going to manage your personal brand except you.’ Combining the two we know that a well understood and well managed personal brand is what success is all about. Obviously then, ‘taking charge of...
On Book Reviews
You’ll be reading my book reviews in this column week after week… and as I sat pondering on which book to review for you first, I said to myself, ‘Hey, let me begin by defining what a book review is and how best to write one.’ The decision was made in less than a minute...
Bigfeet, Miao, and Nizamuddin. Review of ‘The Wildings’
I remember I loved reading George Orwell’s ‘Animal Farm’. I remember I loved seeing all those wonderful, animated films where animals speak a language that we humans understand. There is certainly a charm where the human mind tries to get into the mind of an animal and reasons. Nilanjana has done the same, though she...
Wait and watch life happen. Review of ‘The Fortune Hunters’
‘You should be thankful to Ragini and to your father,’ Pinaki said sarcastically. ‘You should thank Ragini for marrying you and your father for helping you to be with your wife,’ I said and winked. ‘What was my role then?’ Amir asked as he felt irritated. ‘You just waited and watched things happen with you,’...
