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Book Review – Darpan: Khud Se Mulakat by Munish C. Dhiman

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Book Review: Positive Feelings by Kishore Kumar Das

Positive Feelings, a profound poetry collection authored by Kishore Kumar Das, a talented writer hailing from Odisha, stands as a beacon of hope for anyone navigating the often-turbulent waters of modern existence. In a world that frequently feels overwhelming, this book offers a curated sanctuary of over 100 poems designed to instill a sense of optimism, even when the reader is passing through the darkest of times or grappling with low spirits. The primary objective of Das’s work is to underscore the impetuous and transformative value of maintaining a positive outlook. Rather than offering abstract theories, the book provides a practical roadmap for emotional survival. One of the most significant takeaways is the poet’s emphasis on "self-talk." Das suggests that this internal dialogue is a hidden yet potent technique that can enable an individual to develop a "routinely habit" of positivity. By consciously shifting the way we speak to ourselves, we can fundamentall...

Book Review: Dabi Aas by Shaikh Sarafat Ali

Dabi Aas (Diary) is Shaikh Sarafat Ali's debut novel written in Hindi. The subjective theme of the novel takes a dig at the emphatic feelings on lost love, swaying friendship, and self-expectations in the course of life. The story follows the flashback technique to list out a chronicle of youthful expectations and emotional turmoil through its central characters that are intertwined in the ambience. Like a Bollywood college driven kind of movie, the novel’s storyline mostly is about young characters that have yet to take the course of life. As we read, we get to know Harsh Godbole, John, and Ishita in the mainstream narrative. The novel is back staged against Goa and central India region. As Harsh being an engineer struggles and jolts for jobs in plants, the geography of the area inevitably gets painted along the canvas of the storyline. John takes the center stage in the novel. Harsh and he are college friends pursuing engineering with tensions building related to their placement....

Book Review – From Darkness to Light by Sanchari Ghosh

Sanchari Ghosh’s debut novel, From Darkness to Light, is a profound work of philosophical fiction that courageously pulls back the curtain on the underbelly of Mumbai, using a bustling brothel as the unexpected crucible for spiritual enlightenment. At its heart is Naina, a central character who embodies a striking paradox: a sex worker residing in a marginalized world, yet radiating a compelling, transcendent wisdom. Naina stands in stark contrast to her environment. While her peers might be characterized by vociferous activity, greed, and the frantic reality of their profession - she remains calm, composed, and redolent of a deep, inner power. She does not engage in typical transactions; instead, she transforms her interactions into impromptu spiritual sessions. Seated with clients of mixed age and background, Naina dispenses powerful ethical and moral concepts drawn directly from the ancient wellsprings of Hindu scriptures—the Vedas and Puranas. This juxtaposition of the sacred and t...

Book Review – The Silent Cage by Arti Mishra

In the vast, sprawling landscapes of India’s villages and semi-urban towns, millions of women live lives brimming with untold courage and quiet dreams. Their stories, however, are often shrouded in silence, their realities confined by invisible barriers. Arti Mishra’s powerful work, The Silent Cage, steps directly into this silence, bringing these narratives to the forefront of our national conversation. The book illuminates the often-unseen struggles and an indomitable spirit, posing a simple yet profound question that echoes long after the final page is turned: Can India truly progress if half its population is left behind? The Silent Cage is a story that compels its audience to pause, reflect, and ultimately, to act. It transcends the easy categorization of genre, presenting itself as a fabulous and innovative "fiction-oriented documentary." This unique approach allows Mishra to delve deep into the circumstances of women and young girls in rural and semi-urban India with t...

Book Review: Minutes of Healing by Sandeep Kaur

In the often-overwhelming world of self-help literature, Sandeep Kaur’s Minutes of Healing emerges as a breath of fresh air. It is a thoughtfully constructed guide for anyone navigating the difficult terrain of life after a setback. Rather than presenting a dense, theoretical framework, Kaur offers a gentle, accessible toolkit designed to help readers thoughtfully reshape and redefine their own narratives. The book's primary strength lies in its unique structure. Comprised of short, digestible chapters, it respects the reader's time and emotional energy. Each section is focused on a specific element of life, complete with concise summaries and relatable anecdotes. This format makes the process of self-reflection feel less like a monumental task and more like a series of small, manageable steps. It’s an ideal approach for those who may feel too depleted to engage with more demanding texts, transforming the act of healing into a daily, minute-by-minute practice. At its core, ...

Book Review: Ring Twice for Mrs. Naren by Vijay Medtia

In the sultry, deceptive world of Delhi's elite, a struggling lawyer and a trapped wife ignite a forbidden passion that spirals into a meticulously crafted murder plot. Ring Twice for Mrs. Naren is a seductive and chilling tale where the stakes are not just wealth, but life itself. The story centers on Anand Sinha, a lawyer desperate for a big break, and Mrs. Leela Naren, a woman suffocating in an abusive, loveless marriage. Their lives entangle when Anand reveals a critical piece of information: Leela’s husband plans to change his will, threatening to strip her of the luxurious life she knows. This revelation sparks an illicit, passionate affair, and together, they hatch a calculated and chilling plan to commit the perfect murder. This novel masterfully blends the suspense of a crime thriller with the dark intimacy of romantic noir. It's a sultry, psychological tale that explores the intoxicating dance of seduction, greed, and ultimate betrayal. The interplay of desire and...