BOOK REVIEW: I AM A HOME TO BUTTERFLIES BY J ALCHEM

Publication Date: December 17th 2018
Publisher: AdProm Media
Pages: 247, Kindle Edition
Links: Goodreads | Amazon India
Stars: 3/5
Source: Review Copy

Blurb: A captain sinks with his ship, then why cannot a lover?This collection of poetry is all about you and me, but I am afraid it will no longer be about ‘you and me’ once a reader picks it up. It will then be about them only.  It will be all about the one they loved like thunder, about the one they struggled hard to keep, about the one who had left them in the middle of their ‘forever’, about their world shattering into pieces, about them gluing together every piece, and about them falling in love one more time. And if you still think it is about you and me, you haven’t loved someone like thunder, yet.

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“Your own love is more than enough for you.”

‘A home to butterflies’ by J Alchem is an ensemble of poems reflecting ruminations on Life, Love, Pain, Obstacles, Break-ups, Awakening, Wisdom and love again. The structure of poetry narration in this book sways far from the regular pattern but it’s successful, nonetheless. The author’s charismatic word-play pleads with his lover’s attention, oozing of reality and digging deep into the souls of the readers. The poetry inevitably leaves a mark in our hearts.

What really stuck with me were the letters, yes, there is a second section comprising of letters to an ex-lover. Delving into numerous areas and leaning towards a much darker side, this part was the clear winner of the two. Like the author’s previous book, ‘Undelivered Letters’ had a power-packed impact on me; this book had quite the same effect. The raw magnetism of the letters call for tears and the heart bleeds for the wounded soul.

Although I thoroughly enjoyed all the pieces, the method felt monochromatic to tell a story through a poem. Maybe some pictorial metaphors would benefit the poetry on a major level. That is probably my only qualm with the poems but the letters have a stormy ending worth waiting for.

My favourite pieces from the book:

“The way
you love people
is how
you actually want to be loved
back.”
…
“Few pieces
Of our souls
Were misplaced
With others
Before
We were born.
And our whole life
We try to
Find them
In every person
We meet.”
…
“Out of the one
She loves
And the one
Who loved her
She chose the one
The society had
Permitted.”
…
“The wrong one
Will teach you
How to spread
Your legs
But the right one
Will teach you
How to spread
Your wings”

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Notes:

• I was given a copy of the book by the author for an honest and unbiased review.
• The blurb is borrowed from Goodreads.

BOOK REVIEW: SOMETIMES IT HAPPENS BY KARAN SHARMA

Publication Date: December 14th 2018
Publisher: Srishti Publishers and Distributors
Pages: 160, Paperback
Links: Goodreads | Amazon India
Stars: 3/5
Source: Review Copy

Blurb: What happens when two adults with a vast age difference fall in love? 
Gautam is a twenty-five-year-old upcoming professional and Roshni a senior management member working in the same multinational bank. More than a decade apart in age, they cannot help but feel attracted towards each other.
However, can two people with such a vast age difference be compatible?
Sometimes It Happens explores the fun and turmoil as they fall in love, get laughed at by their friends and then develop cold feet, thinking about the repercussions their age difference could have on their relationship.
They say love is blind. So will two smart professionals decide to listen to their hearts or will they listen to their mind to avert what may be the biggest blunder of their lives?

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“Put your heart into all your relationships , not logic. The world will be a better place to live in.”

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Sometimes It Happens is the refurbished version of the existing book, It Happens penned by the business magnet cum writer – Karan Sharma. With a brand new cover launch and a few tweaks in the story, the author is back with the romantic tale of Gautam and Roshni. The age gap between the protagonists plays the villain here and routes their life through many bumps on the road. Will their true love suffice to guarantee a life full of harmony and bliss?

Gautam is a cheeky fellow of twenty-five who gets romantically involved with his senior officer, Roshni, a stunner in her late-thirties. Both of them have best friends who voice the pros and cons of their relationship which bring the couple to a fork in the road.

The characters are flawed and human which guides the plot genuinely. That’s what makes them relatable and connected to reality. We know the hardships of a true relationship and the lengths we would go to, to protect the ones we love and ourselves. The author has reflected the pragmatism that plays into love and other complicated elements of society’s hand in its destruction as well. The ominous and satirical laugh of society makes an appearance here. It destroys pure love in its womb and eventually gets the partners questioning their relationship and it’s worth.

The author’s writing style and wordiness undeniably work in his favour and his knack for story-telling brings a positive vibe to the book. He has created luscious images of food which certainly caught my attention and enriched the reading experience. Also, delightful factoids of the mentioned cities amused me to no bounds.

A heart-warming romance which will enthrall and entertain you throughout the book. Do grab a copy if you’re looking for a light and fun read for the weekend.

 

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Notes:

• I was given a copy of the book by the author for an honest and unbiased review.
• The blurb is borrowed from Goodreads.

Book Review: Batman’s guide to Life: Breaking myths since 1994 by Chetan Soni

Publication Date: August 8th 2018
Publisher: Half Baked Beans
Pages: 91, Kindle Edition
Links: Goodreads | Amazon India
Stars: 4/5
Source: Review Copy

Blurb: I have spent 14 years meditating, levitating and constipating. During this time, I happened to cross a tunnel and kept on thinking while crawling my way out that “will there be light at the end of the tunnel?” Indeed there was. 
As I came out and dropped on my knees with my hands raised in air I heard a whisper, “What do you seek?” and the first words which came out of my mouth were “Sarcasm O’ Dear Lord.”

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“Girls who keep on waiting for Superman do not realize that they pass across Clark Kent every day.”

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Growing up, Batman has always influenced my life in a major way and the life lessons the character has taught me are endless. The dark knight’s inexorable demeanour relentlessly proves that he is the best superhero and is irreplaceable. His ultimate superpower is having no superpowers at all and he sure as hell compensates for it with the unassailable and rigorous training. He is inarguably the epitome of “cool” both as the playboy Bruce Wayne and his fearsome alter-ego.

Honestly, when I got a hold of this book, I was baffled. I skimmed it for more and that was it. Kindle shows me 700 pages due to the font size but I was in for a treat. This is probably the shortest book I’ve ever reviewed. Anyhow, the author’s magnetic hook was the ingenious title, he had me at Batman! (Side-note: I began binge-ing the Batman animated movies, non-stop, all thanks to the book.)

Ninety per cent of the book comprises of life quotes and a quirky short-short romantic story of Kabir and Sonia for the grand finale. The satirical take-down of our society and the narcissism that runs deep in the veins of today’s youth is a prevalent note in the book. There’s no tardiness in the language and the content is a breath of fresh air. The fast pace of this book affixes your attention to it and the message truly makes one cogitate.

Pick this one if you’re looking for a speedy read in one sitting. It’s a guaranteed fun read and food for the soul. Some of my favorite quotes from the book that stuck with me,

Fail big. You only live once.

There are two kinds of married men in India, one who gets a car, others get a washing machine.

Whether you are Jon Snow or Theon Greyjoy, you have to fight your own battles.

Chill, the more failures you have the longer your Ted Talk will be.

Write letters. To somebody, you know. Don’t post them. Preserve them in a cool dry place away from the reach of children. Take them out after 20 years. Read them again. Slowly. Drinking the nectar of those words basking in the sun. Compare your relationship with the person at that time. You will see that the person you loved once is now a douche bag. Be proud of the choice you made by not posting the letter. Smile. Go back to sleep.

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Notes:

• I was given a copy of the book by VInfluencers for an honest and unbiased review.
• The blurb is borrowed from Goodreads.

 

Euphoria

Tangled limbs
where do they begin
or end?
Cramped space,
encases me,
blissful, blessed,

Love comes
in small packages,
two,
in my case,

Priceless,
these moments clasped
to my bosom,
heart flutters,

Eyes,
glisten, gleeful,
treasured little ones,
Mine.

A Very Chocolaty Road Trip – #SayYesToTheWorld

In the brief two years that I’d spent in Sweden, I was lucky enough to #explore the quaint little town (Älmhult) I lived in. Each day enfolded an #enriching #experience as I aimlessly wandered around town with a map app without which I’d be lost for hours altogether.

The flower-infested centrum (which doubled up as a park and bus stand), the city hall with its majestic lobby, the library boasting its monumental collection of parchment-y scented books, the little burger shack which serves perfectly salted fries and the list is simply endless. Funny how I never got around to the cinemas until the last month of my pregnancy. Despite my delicate condition, I never missed out on the blockbusters, FF7 and Avengers: Age of Ultron. Everything about Älmhult made me fall in love with the suburban life in Sweden and thus, my penchant for travel was born.

Autumn revives the little town in the Kronoberg county as the russet leaves festoon the roads and grass. When the effervescent silver flakes adorn the rooves and pavements during winter, you’ll know magic like no other.

My husband planned one such road trip without my knowledge and asked me to be open minded and hop in the car as he got behind the wheels. “Let’s get ice-cream!” he said as his happiness radiated another hundred miles.

“I just want to nap so bad though,” I whined and my body sang with pain as I stretched out my tense muscles. “Come on, it’ll be fun. You just sit tight and I’ll do the driving.” His argument did seem convincing and I resolved to unwind with some music and go on the drive. I had no inkling what was about to happen and where I was going. But knowing my impulsive husband, I knew better to pack a bag of supplies and some light snacks.

Off we drove to “get ice-cream” as I DJ’ed throughout the ride, we even shook on a truce to alternate between our favorites. I didn’t want to hand over the reins of choosing music, ultimately, it is the soul of any road trip. He kept driving for the next three hours and I gave him the look. “Dude, we’ve been driving for three hours?! Omg, I dozed off in between?! Where the hell are we going?!” I knew I was freaking out for no reason and he had craftily added his playlist in the meantime. The guy was not ready to answer and he just smiled at me. “Just a little further, babe. We’ll be there in no time.” I just gaped at him and slumped back in my seat as he chuckled. So, it was a surprise and he was hell-bent on keeping mum. Well, two can play at this game, I fished out my phone and opened my prized map app. We were going to Malmö, all the way in Skåne county! Going to another county to eat ice-cream was a little far-fetched, even for me.

We pulled up at the ice cream shop and Zayed grinned at me and I stared back with a puzzled look. He asked me to turn around and I yelped as I spotted a big-ass beach spread out before me. The three hours of uncomfortable sleep on the awkward car seat was totally worth it.

Although the sun shined bright as a beacon, the cold winds still cut through the thin fabric of my jacket. The hoodie was a bad decision but I can’t be blamed as I didn’t know our destination. First, we ran into the ice cream shop like a bunch of kids and we were hella picky when it came to the flavors. I gawked at the glass box for a good fifteen minutes and the ice-cream guy shrugged at me. ‘I need to feel the flavor, yaw’, I mentally screamed at him. ‘Any minute now.’, I told the patient guy. I decided to play it safe and went with the very chocolaty flavor because he’d already dismissed a previous one with the word alcohol. (Because we’re halal af)

I grabbed the cone and licked it along the way as I bathed in the sun and ran towards the water. Clear sapphire waves swept my feet and the winds kissed my dry and cracked face. At that moment, I embraced the now. I told myself, #SayYesToTheWorld and positively loved the blind date with Malmö, thanks to my over-adventurous hubby!

Travel is an exhilaration. Sometimes the rain blesses the leaves trickling and decorating the veins and the earth emanates a deep scent with an added dose of the wind kissing faces. Intrepidly, the sun might piffle through the clouds, bestowing its golden blankets and warming the skin.

Can you hear your heart rumbling in your ears? Rivers storming through exacerbating cracks and crevices. The deafening roar of thunder, making you cower in your tents. Don’t allow your fears and preconceptions to conquer you and let loose a little once in a while. You might just enjoy #TheBlindList experience like I did.