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Neelam

An internationally accredited book blogger, voracious reader and the founder of Booxoul, one of India’s leading book and lifestyle blogs, Neelam is a person with a penchant for bringing out the best in people. A website designer, a renowned book blogger and a leading creative influencer on Instagram, here is a lady who is candid, closer to life and sensitive to the softest of emotions…

A Book Blogger, Reviewer, a true friend, honest critique, a relentless benefactor and more…

Chaos in Romance, Sexuality and Fidelity By Raksha Bharadia | Booxoul Book Review
Book Reviews

Chaos: in Romance, Sexuality and Fidelity | A Book Review

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CHAOS: In Romance, Sexuality and Fidelityby Raksha Bharadia I am not sure where to start. This book was, from the word go an out and out engrossing read. Author Raksha Bharadia made sure to write the book in a manner that even fiction readers not for one moment would want to put down it. So many things to love! Reading this book was a lot like watching an interesting documentary on the life and its inception on earth. And one can surmise through reading it that a colossal amount of research and some interesting interviews with the people ranging from psychologists, marriage counselors, medical experts and general practitioners (and boy is it beautiful) has gone into the making this book, Chaos in romance, sexuality, and fidelity by Raksha Bharadia. With incredible and insightful information and details, the book analyzes various aspects of relationships quite well. The author in her book ‘Chaos in romance, sexuality, and fidelity’ explores the history of love between men and women over the centuries and takes the readers one step at a time – not being too preachy and not too judgmental. And every aspect of romance, sexuality and fidelity are dealt beautifully with chapter by chapter. Raksha also sheds some light on how problems have emerged in familial relationships and the rapid rise in divorces shows that people in the country can’t seem to face the challenges/conflicts arise in their life. She presents the facts as it is. But in the process, the book doesn’t get boring. In fact, she makes it more fun to read by using some fantastic references and quotes. It gives readers the right balance of information, entertainment, and reader satisfaction. And by entertainment, I mean that the book contains some funny illustrations which also works as visual information for the mind to store in its database. This book is a definite “fuel for thought” and will rattle for a long time in my head. The book is divided into 5 sections. And each section is a delight to read. From the beautiful presentation of the content inside to the narrative style of the author and to the language, that is impeccably graceful and well-balanced. To sum up, it isn’t a self-help book that will help you mend your relationships. No, in fact, this book is an analysis of relationships that will give you a new perspective to look through. Rating- 4.5

Women Author Awards
Book Reviews, Lifestyle

Women ruling even the literary World

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The AutHer Awards 2020 Longlists for best women authors in Fiction, Non-Fiction, Children’s Literature and Debut were announced today by a panel of 12 eminent judges. The Times of India received a whopping 850 entries submitted by both publishers and individual authors for the coveted national award, the first of its kind in India.The AutHer Awards – a joint venture between JK Paper and Times of India — are a celebration of women authors who have added value and creativity to the literary space. The jury considered books by women published in India between December 2018 and November 2019. The chairs for the AutHer Awards jury consisted of author Ashwin Sanghi (Fiction), actor and author Sonali Bendre (Non-Fiction), columnist and author Shobhaa De (Debut), and author Bulbul Sharma (Children’s books).Talking about women’s writing in literature, Shobhaa De says, “Women’s voices in Indian literature today are exploding several myths and stereotypes. They are speaking a new language which is honest, irreverent and out there. There is enormous confidence and talent emerging through their work. It is our job to acknowledge and reward the best! It has been a fantastic process of reading all these wonderful women authors sharing their stories with so much verve! Good luck to the winner. And a big thank you to all participants.” While sharing her experience of the AutHer Awards, Bulbul Sharma says, “I really enjoyed reading these amazing new books for children by women authors. Each book painted a vivid picture of a new facet of our society and dealt bravely with different, somewhat difficult concerns. What a variety of prose and rich ideas; what a long way we have come. We must thank TOI for taking women writers on a most exciting journey ahead.” The other jury members were author Jaishree Misra (Fiction), author and former Deputy Secretary, Sahitya Akademi Gitanjali Chatterjee (Fiction), author Yasser Usman (Non-Fiction), author and journalist Manimugdha Sharma (Non-Fiction), author and comic writer Arjun Gaind (Debut), Co-founder of ScoopWhoop R ishi Pratim Mukherjee (Debut), actor, compere and Director of The Study School Shivani Wazir Pasrich (Children’s books), and author Ramendra Kumar(Children’s books). Sharing his experience of being a part of the AutHer Awards, Ashwin Sanghi says, “I am delighted to be part of the jury panel for The Times of India’s Women AutHer Awards 2020. It has been a painstaking process to read and review the final selection to arrive at the longlist. Jaishree Misra and Gitanjali Chatterjee (my fellow jury members) and I have burnt the midnight oil in attempting to ensure that we look at each book holistically. We too have gained by being part of this terrific initiative because we all ended up reading books that we may have otherwise missed. In fact, even determining the Longlist was difficult because there were several more that deserved mention.” Actor and author Sonali Bendre, who also hosts her own book club for fellow readers, called it an “enriching experience”. Sonali Bendre says, “Going through the AutHer selection was such an enriching experience. From the 21 non-fiction books that we read, these 9 were the ones that stood out and unanimously got voted in to be part of the AutHer Longlist! It’s been a pleasure discussing these books with Yasser Usman and Manimugdha Sharma… it’s been a smooth and thoroughly enjoyable journey.” The books under consideration went through multiple layers of screening before reaching the final jury. The Times editorial teams were helped in the initial screening by authors Kulpreet Yadav and Sujata Parashar, Write India winner and teacher Vasudha Gulati, and Dr Anjana Neira Dev, Associate Professor of English, Gargi college. Vinita Dawra Nangia, Literary Director of the Awards, says, “It has been an eye-opener to see the range of books submitted for the Awards and the process through which our judges painstakingly selected the best. Our effort is to be all-inclusive and neither dismiss any genre, nor favour another. The Women AutHer Awards have been launched to recognize and encourage the contribution of women writers, and to acknowledge their unique space in the literary arena.” The AutHer Awards Shortlist will be announced tomorrow. The AutHer Awards winners will be announced at a grand ceremony on Sunday, March 8, at Taj Palace, New Delhi. A prize worth Rs 1 lakh each will be given to the top winners of all four categories and a Lifetime Achievement Award will be given to a woman author for her lasting contribution in the field of literature. For the Longlist, please log on to : https://autherawards.in/

Book review of The Flute and the Sword - The Story of Meera and Jaimal and the Rise and Fall of Merta by Karuna Sinh, Randhir Sinh
Book Reviews

The Story of Meera and Jaimal | Book Review

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The Flute and the Sword: The Story of Meera and Jaimal and the Rise and Fall of Merta by Karuna  Sinh, Randhir Sinh Meera (Mirabai) has been an important part of me growing up. My siblings and I have always woken up listening to her songs. Songs that were the love and devotion of Meera to Lord Krishna. Since then, I’ve been taken to her serene and beautiful aura. So yeah, reading this book ’The Flute and the Sword by Karuna Sinh, Randhir Sinh, was the most exciting and learning experience, I had.  About a few days back, I finished reading this delight of a book with all the satisfaction a reader has when reading such a gem. Every turn of page took me closer to the culture I share with Meera and Jaimal; Each chapter was a  revelation that brought smile and tears equally. It was told so beautifully that all came alive before my mind: the characters, places and everything in between them. It is a truly remarkably narrated story. Reading The Flute and the Sword: The Story of Meera and Jaimal and the Rise and Fall of Merta,  felt to me like lapping waves of emotions, I was neck deep submerged, in Meera’s devotion for Lord Krishna and Jaimal’s constant struggle to save his kingdom. This book beautifully captured the nuances of emotions like nothing else in recent time, through pain, heartbreak, death and love. This was legit one of the most moving, riveting, eye opening saga that I read in recent times.  Written in a very simplistic language, the story of Meera and Jaimal is fictionized for the entertainment value, it has the backing of facts and research that has made the book quite an eye-opener.  This engrossing high paced book is sure to sweep you off your feet. I highly, highly recommend this book  to all the fiction and non fiction fans of history, and who’d like to know more about the history of Merta. 

Book review of V Q E- The Tale of an Indian Physician in the United Kingdom of the 1980s by Vivek V Gumaste
Book Reviews

V.Q.E: The Tale of an Indian Physician in the United Kingdom of the 1980s | Book Review

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V.Q.E: The Tale of an Indian Physician in the United Kingdom of the 1980s By Vivek V Gumaste I believe writing is a powerful enough weapon that can bring upon changes unimaginable. It also is a time machine, that can transport you to any part of the world, whether future or past. V.Q.E: The Tale of an Indian Physician in the United Kingdom of the 1980’s by Vivek Gumaste is one such book that took me to 1980’s UK. The stark reality, that life in this ex-colonial country was a constant struggle to make one’s worth, especially for Asians. This is a story of one such Asian, or I would rather say a medical memoir of a Doctor, whose dream is to move to the United States, and make a mark there. And to achieve this, he first moves to the United Kingdom, where he explores and experiences their work culture and pass professional tests, which will make his transition to the US a little bit less cumbersome a task. Reading this book V.Q.E by Vivek Gumaste made me realize that life as an immigrant isn’t all hunky-dory as it seems. It is fraught with one’s struggles to make a name, every step is a precarious knife’s edge, one move can make or break one’s future. Vivek has very skillfully interwoven his professional journey with the political turmoil, the then UK was going through, giving me a glimpse in of the 1980s UK. Through the author’s eyes, I got see the aftermath of some of the famous political decisions, racial discrimination that was rampant then, the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana and the madness of it that spread throughout the world like a wildfire. It was a journey, that did not disappoint me at all. Vivek’s V.Q.E is not a story, which has a high-octane drama filled with twists at every turn of the page, neither it is filled with words that are worth writing in a diary, instead it is a gently remarkable book about a doctor’s journey in the UK and how it shaped and prepared him for the ultimate goal of his, that was to move to the US. Vivek spun the web of words quite elegantly with the ink of his memories and bowled me over with his exquisite language and style; a flowing but succinct and easy to read prose. In addition, he did not overly stretch the story. He put that specific part of his life on papers that we could peruse in a very simple way. I strongly recommend the book V.Q.E: The Tale of an Indian Physician in the United Kingdom of the 1980s by Vivek Gumaste to readers of the genre of Memoirs/Biography/Autobiography and to the future doctors are persuing Medical degree in foreign lands. This book has earned 5 on 5 for its sheer simplicity and high engagement quotient.

Book Review of The Elephant Girl by Chitta Ranjan
Book Reviews

The Elephant Girl | A Booxoul Review

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The Elephant Girl By Chitta Ranjan Amidst the foothills of the Himalayas, somewhere between Bengal and Assam, people claim to have seen a mythical maiden who rules and rides wild elephants.  When Raj Narayan, the crown prince of Paschim Behar hears about this, he is unable to resist going in search of the Elephant girl despite his very pregnant wife Divya needing him.  Dodging two attempts of murder, the Prince still continues on his quest.  Even as dark forces take over the Palace, Raj cannot seem to get away from the Enigma of the Jungle.  Needless to say what follows is deceit, treachery, murder and mayhem. Recommendation: A nicely written book that showcased the various characters with grace.  One could actually envision the period of Maharajas, Gora sahebs and tribals of Assam.  Chitta Ranjan had me entranced right from the beginning as she transported me straight to the lush green jungles of the North East, where I could vividly visualize the surprises awaiting the Prince.  It felt like almost stepping back or should I say falling back in time.  Furthermore, the author has done a wonderful job of addressing the complex relationships and power games whilst keeping the mystery alive right till the very end.  Just as I would head towards a conclusion, Chitta would subtly nudge me to ponder upon something else along with Raj. Has his brother truly gone mad?  Did their step mother and step siblings orchestrate the whole thing?  Are there some other darker forces at play here?  Question is who can the young King trust and consider family amongst all these subtle power games? In this game of royal subterfuge, Raj Narayan is kept guessing as he desperately tries his best to figure out the secrets of the royal family while constantly being pulled by the thoughts of the magnetic Elephant Girl.  This complex story unfolds with plenty of change in dynamics as finally all the loose threads are neatly tied up.  If you enjoy History with a bit of Mystery like me, this one is definitely for you. Rating: 5/5

Legitimacy of Power by Dilip Sinha - Booxoul Book Review
Book Reviews

Legitimacy of Power: by Dilip Sinha

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As the global scenario culminated in a cesspool of powerful nations, there was a constant chatter about international arrangement to regulate or control the interaction of these state actors amongst one another. This call was answered just after ter the end of World War II when leaders of victorious nations laid the foundation the United Nations on the lines its predecessor League Of Nations but not without learning from the mistakes of the League. As history shifted ahead, United Nations along with its various organs has been an significant part of global happenings and conflicts. The United Nations Security Council – the prime and most important organ of the United Nations which wields the most amount of power was trusted with the responsibility of working for the peace and security of the world. Legitimacy of Power examines the history and background behind the formation and specific success and failures of the UNSC. Dilip Sinha has a ringside experience of the workings of the UNSC thanks to his stints at the organisation serving in the Indian Foreign Service. The author has put out a comprehensive history of international security and cooperation. The focal point of this book as the title suggests is the power wielded and its misuse by the permanent five members of the United Nations Security Council. The phenomenon of veto and the sway the Big 5 hold over the decisions and actions of the UNSC are a very intriguing aspects of understand global diplomacy and security. Legitimacy of Power takes us through the historical incidents and clamour among the permanent members to control and affect conflicts across the globe through the power wielded by then in the UNSC. The author comprehensively evaluates the success and failure of UNSC and its stubborn opposition to accept reforms in its workings and structure. Sinha dismisses the possibility of decline in relevancy of the UNSC but does warn about the excesses undertaken by member nations and how they impact global situations as and when they rise. A scholarly and thoroughly academic work which at times becomes difficult to read and comprehend given the depth of issues and detail in writing. Strongly recommended for academics and students of International Relations. A layman will have to grind out to read and absorb this piece.

I Am In Love With a Shudh Desi Firangi Paperback by Dipnanda Bhaduri - Booxoul Book Review
Book Reviews

I am in love with Shudh Desi Firangi

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Love stories are always my weakness, especially the soft and slow romances. My teens years were filled with such books. I read Harlequin, Mills & Boon and Betty Neels ( now, now don’t go judging me). So yeah, when Dipnanda approached me to review her book ‘I am in Love with Shudh Desi Firangi, I so obvious, shrieked in excitement and dived in right on, in the book. ⁣ As they so famously once said that the first impression you get of the book is the beginning of the story. Well, I do agree with that! ⁣ Beginning of this book ‘I am in love with Shudh Desi Firangi’ is what goaded me to plunge in further. The first bite I took of this book had a perfect balance of all spices. It tasted of heartbreak, love and dreams. The story of I am in love with Shudh Desi Firangi by Dipnanda Bhaduri Roy was soaked and spiced in Rich Bengali Culture. Yummm… what’s more, did I need than the tantalising beginning. Of course, I needed a perfect end to the story, or rather I’d say a perfect beginning to the end of the story. And boy, was it amazing! The end was emotional, satisfying yet of course obvious. Doesn’t matter, though, does it?⁣⁣⁣It is incredible to see how the author Dipnanda, made sure not to hustle things up while interweaving modern romance of Katyayni and Rudra and age-old love story of Shiva and Parvati, in a beautiful intricate pattern of pain, selfless and unconditional love. And the cherry to the cake was the narrative of the book, I am in love with Shudh Desi Firangi by Dipnanda Bhaduri Roy. It was done in a calm and collected manner. While reading it, I felt that I was part of the very story. Living each moment with the characters. Impressive! What’s more, the way the author portrayed her characters was incredible. It felt like she knew them well and had plucked them out of her life for her book. ⁣⁣I am in love with Shudh Desi Firangi by Dipnanda Bhaduri Roy, is a perfect beach read. This atmospheric read is going to win you over. I rate this book 4 on 5⁣

Five Spice Curry by Anushila Chakrabarti Booxoul Book Review
Book Reviews

Five Spice Curry by Anushila Chakrabarti

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A reader goes through multitude of emotions while reading a novel, and if that novel happens to be a collection of short stories, then each story of it contains emotions unfathomable, that shakes you, makes you laugh, makes you reminisce the past long gone by, and it also shatters you, all at once. Sounds like magic, right?⁣⁣Anushila’s novel Five Spice Curry, is one such book that has only five stories, but the journey we take with each of these stories, covers distances of a lifetime and gives experience invaluable. Experiences that are as essentials as the Five spices we use in an Indian curry, without which our life is bland and meaningless.⁣⁣This book Five Spice Curry by Anushila Chakrabarti took hold of my heart from the first story. It was a story, which I could relate to. And this was the story that set my excitement rolling. And roll, they did!⁣ Each and every story was a delight to read. Each was a mirror reflecting our life choices that we make and the outcome of those choices were as fluid as water, shaping our life.⁣⁣Anushila with her incredible storytelling art, impressed me. The narrative style enthralled me. It was a beautiful bouquet of fresh flowers. All shades of emotions in one place, spreading their fragrances in all parts of my heart. I was struck at the beauty of these stories. Engrossing and compelling. ⁣⁣One can see the hard work and love the author has put into this book. I could still smell the fragrance of these stories. The best part of the book Five Spice Curry by Anushila Chakrabarti is that I couldn’t find a single negative thing to say. ⁣Though, I wouldn’t say that each of these were perfect. No. The beauty was in its imperfection. I would like highly recommend this book to you all. Especially who likes to read short stories. This book has scored a perfect 5, for it’s sheer simplicity and stories we could easily connect to.⁣

Dream Beyond Shadows by Kartikeya Ladha
Book Reviews

Dream Beyond Shadows: No Ordinary Tourist by Kartikeya Ladha

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Kartikeya Ladha’s ‘Dream Beyond Shadows’ is one of those rare books that I can read over and over again. Which is very odd for a person, who with all her heart detest reading any Self-Help or Spiritual books. You ask me, Why I loved this book? Because it’s really really good… And really helpful for someone who is going through some sort of identity crisis or a mental block, hindering the very peace of mind which we ultimately strive for. ‘Dream Beyond Shadows’ is an inspiring tale about the journey of the author, towards self-fulfillment. What makes it more fascinating is that this book is part autobiographical, part spiritual, part travelogue and part poetry. When I started with this book, I was unaware that it’d be a delight to read. Each turn of page released me from nodes I never realized I was tied into. This book is a story of Kartikeya’s journey to self-realization, that there is more to life than a successful career and a life of luxury. Life needs simplicity to thrive on, not the complexities we humans create for ourselves. This is a story of the author, who author decides to quit his job and take on a path that he never before thought of treading. The path of self-actualization through a journey of wanderer and a wonderer. Kartikeya travels to Peru in South America, where he encounters many soul enlightening experiences, which changes the Author in a very spiritual way. Kartikeya Ladha’s spiritual journey inspired me on a very deeper level. It kind of forced me to contemplate about the journey I was in and its consequences that may impact the mental wellbeing. The best part about the book is Kartikeya’s narrative. It felt like smooth flowing river; calm and harmonious. What’s more, the author weaved this beautiful journey intricately into an inspiring tale. I applaud the author with all my heart. Dream beyond Shadows has earned a 4 star for its beautifully written story and the lesson it teaches its readers. Rating: 4/5

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