Beaten by Bhagath! Posted by Drac , Monday, September 16, 2013 at 6:23 AM, in Labels: book, fiction, Leadstart

Title: Beaten by Bhagath!

Author: S.V. Divvaakar

Publisher: Leadstart

Genre: Fiction

Before I start discussing this book let me be clear about one thing, so my points are not misjudged. I am not a fan of Chetan Bhagat. But I don’t hate him either. He induced the habit of reading in many youngsters and hence, deserves the respect and success he is getting. Gifted with the talent or not, he is one of the most popular writer of our time. And that’s somehow the same point S.V. Divvaakar is trying to make in this book ‘Beaten by Bhagath!’. 

BB, a long forgotten friend of India’s most popular author Ketan Bhagath, always knew he has a way with words. Now, encouraged by his boss, and in attempt to woo her and feed his ego; he begins the quest of getting published as a writer. And not just that, he wants to be a more successful writer than Bhagath, so he can take his revenge for the betrayal. With all these wrong inspirations, he writes ‘Sinner’s Course’ and what follows is a long disturbing journey of book publishing and marketing chaos. 

I believe this book tells only one side of the story. Okay, it is difficult for a writer to get published but it’s nothing new, it has always been like that. The screening publishers provide is very important to filter out bad books and writers as their readers will be investing not only money but a good amount of time over them. What did moved up a notch is the promotional scenario. Changing the books to suit the market value or selling undeserving works with good promotions on the basis of deals with some stores is the worst thing happened to the publishing industry. 

Now, if a writer like Ravinder Singh can change labels from Shrishti Publishers to Penguin Metro Reads, it just proves that art has been turned into business. And not just in Indian market, otherwise, how could one expect a ‘mommy-porn’ book beating the record of Harry Potter. Things are bad and will go worse, with or without Bhagat. 

Let’s break the pattern here and talk about cons first. The narration is simple with poor language. No characterization is done whatsoever. You don’t know anything much about the protagonist and hence can’t be empathetic towards his pain. A good point of the story, friendship of BB and K-10 Bhagath could have been exploited to easily extend the novel’s length and grip over the reader, but was ignored. 

For the pros: It is a light read and gives a lot to discover for someone who has never been exposed to the book-making process, in a funny way (CB kind of humor, if I may add). It does also provide a lot to think over and that’s the best part. All said it is still a much appreciated read than a non-fiction version of a book on similar subject would have been. 

Is this a recommended read for a wannabe writer? Yes and no. A writer is a writer, published or not. You cannot ‘wannabe’ a writer, if you know what I mean. So if you are a writer, leave this one alone and read the first two chapters of Yann Martel’s Beatrice and Virgil instead, you will get the gist. And if you wannabe a writer, then this is your gospel. Hope it might scare you off and a few trees would be saved. 

Overall, it is a recommended read for anyone who wants a light, enjoyable novel; regardless of your ambitions and bibliophilic habits. 

Rating: 3/5 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Mr. Yatin Gupta. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Boomerang Posted by Drac , Sunday, June 23, 2013 at 8:08 AM, in Labels: book, fiction, Leadstart

Title: Boomerang

Author: Rajshri Raajgopal

Publisher: Frog Books

Genre: Fiction

Boomerang – what you threw away comes back and how it hits, a quite appropriate title for the story of protagonist’s life, in the novel by Rajshri Raajgopal. 

Anna’s craving and quarreling of love, her battles with society, her desire of a beautiful future and her veiled past marks the stratagem of this book. Sounds tedious? Well, it’s not. This book stands out from the crowd of hundred others written on the similar subject. Even been set on a traditional background, it is a modern story with realistic characters even in bizarre situations and with passions laid delightfully on the pages. 

The writing is fresh and acts as the strongest plus point of this book. The pace of the story increases with the number of pages; it begin steadily slow and you will find yourself clinging at a cliff until the climax, which is rather unforeseen and makes the entire tale go up by a rank. 

Coming to the cons, I felt the dialogues were weak. Maybe the author wants to connect the character more with the reader than with other characters, or maybe it is the conversation. Also, continual story flow is a very important part of a good book, as how you are seeing is almost as important as what you are seeing. Though a few snippets and poems glued in this novel might have provided a better platform for building characters and relate to the reader, I found them unnecessary.  Author could have saved a few pages by avoiding them, as on the whole it is a hardcore drama/suspense and not a chick-lit. 

Overall, it is a startling debut and my hopes are raised for the upcoming works of the author. Highly recommended for every girl and most of the boys who understand and enjoy a good fiction. 

Rating: 4/5 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the author for reviewing purpose. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Chameleons Posted by Drac , Sunday, May 19, 2013 at 8:06 AM, in Labels: book, fiction, Leadstart

Title: Chameleons

Author: Sanket Ghag

Publisher: LeadStart Publishing

Genre: Fiction

Chameleons by Sanket Ghag is a story of optimism against adversaries, in an edgy sense. As they say, if life gives you lemons, make lemonade. Sunny, who once was living a normal and happy life is now facing dreadful situations; which are strong enough to push him on the verge of suicidal consideration. Losing his love, struggling in his work and unable to find any closure, of the kind he expects, from his family, he now has to decide whether he will let the river of change drag him away or be the change himself; like a chameleon.

Readers join the protagonist while he recounts his life towards a not-so-predictable climax with perspicuous writing and engrossing characters. When it comes to connectivity, author has really nailed it. To be frank, I wasn’t expecting a lot from a newbie, but the genuineness of characters simply amazed me. Not until I read ‘about the author’ section (which I only do after completing the book), I realized why I felt so connected with Sunny; because this book is coming from the heart. Nowadays, many new Indian authors are coming out of nowhere penning books to get famous, earn money or just to woo some girl. But, I am thankful that this book is different. It’s a simple guy chasing his dream with a story to tell, saying ‘hear me out’.

Talking about the downfall of this book, I believe it is poorly edited. I can’t pinpoint the exact reason why but many-a-times I felt like the author imagined this story more as a screenplay rather than a novel. With choice of simple words, slangs are still punctuating the language. Even being a quick read, you may find some parts repetitive, slowing down the pace of the reader.

Only if the author sharpens his writing tool a bit, I think he got all the qualities of a ‘deserving’ bestseller. Overall it is an impressive work and acts as a real treat for fans of Indian fiction.

Rating: 4/5 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher for reviewing purpose. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Sorry Secrets Posted by Drac , Saturday, August 4, 2012 at 11:17 PM, in Labels: book, fiction, Leadstart

Title: Sorry Secrets

Author: Aditya S. Pendyala 

Publisher: Leadstart Publishing 

Genre: Fiction 

Sorry Secrets by Aditya S. Pendyala is a collection of 11 short stories and 4 poems. Where most of the collections focus on a single theme or outline, this book tries to capture a wide stream of imagination. 

Each story is uniquely different and appealing at its own pace. From relationships to crime, thriller to sci-fi, drama to mystery, no genre has left untouched; thus providing something for every kind of reader. The story flow of Blood, Grey Shades, Cliff Hanger and Disearthed needs a special mention. Along with Dead and Here, Sorry Secrets and Musicalee Speaking which makes it a good page-turner. Although there is nothing completely new or bizarre concept in any story which leaves you surprised, the writing keeps you spell bounded. I don’t consider myself as one with a sense of poetry, hence I won’t comment on the poems this book includes. Except, I enjoyed them and they are cherish-able keepsake after a roller-coaster ride of stories. 

Usually I am a bit reluctant to read debut Indian authors as they use a lot of Hindi slangs in their writing, which I consider as an insult of the language. But thankfully, this book is free from any such flaws. In fact giving the author’s command over the stories and expertise on words, it is hard to consider Sorry Secrets a debut. It is highly recommended for new readers and wannabe writers. But as they say real talent of a writer unleashes after he writes a complete novel, I am really looking forward to read a full-fledged novel from the author. 

Rating: 4/5 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the author for reviewing purpose. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Maples: Rejuvenating Cocktail Posted by Drac , Wednesday, May 23, 2012 at 8:27 AM, in Labels: book, fiction, Leadstart

Title: Maples: Rejuvenating Cocktail

Author: Bhavna Khemlani

Publisher: Leadstart Publishing

Genre: Fiction 

 

Maples Rejuvenating Cocktail by Bhavna Khemlani is just as the title suggests. The way the stories unfold, character portrayals and captivating phrases showcases the expertise of the author. 

This book revolves around four protagonists, who have different dreams, passions, fears and their own equations of love. Ryan is an aspirant photographer with a failed love life and dark past. Ria being cursed by loneliness pretty early in life, has to face challenges in love too. Genelia has devoted herself to her career and afraid of love due to the prior wounds. Miguel, a workaholic has to make a choice for love, because relationships aren’t as easy as business deals. The story takes an intriguing turn when these four meets and discover what they have been missing. 

In this fast paced life people hardly ever get time to think about what they really want from life until it’s too late. How important role love plays in our life and what we will lose if we avoid it over meaningless attributes? These are the questions tackled here in the most relatable manner.

All the four stories are beautifully intertwined together which makes this book a delicious page-turner. The best part, stories are not that predictable as you might think. The not-so-best part, some characters are confused and their confusion might transform to the reader, as in, ‘Now why would she do that?’ Well it’s a light read and I would recommend reading it in bits instead of single-sitting, to relax after a hard day’s work. With a cocktail, if you prefer.

Rating: 4/5 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the author for reviewing purpose. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”