Reading Writings

Tainted Lionheart is a collection of prose and poems that touches every chord of human heart.  The collection deals with all the phases of heartache that a person is bound to go through. Divided into three parts, this collection uses a mix of prose and poetry to bring out varied emotions. Sometimes, life brings in pain. Along with it come feelings of anger, contempt, grief, remorse and a host of other negative emotions. This collection attempts to deal with these. The entire collection resonates a powerful message. This anthology succeeds in bringing out that its okay to grieve, feel pain, get angry and hurt.  Christine is an amazing writer, or rather, a prose poet. The choice of words amplify the feelings that each  piece of writing evokes. The imageries are vivid, narration is heart wrenching at times and language is sans profanity. To sum up, the entire collection is a symbol of a lion heart or a lioness heart aka braveheart, who has the courage to go through all the p...

Sometimes pain tends to get masked behind a sense of narcissism, especially when it involves your significant other. Nina's Memento Mori is a kind of self introspection that the author indulges in as he writes about himself remembering his wife. He focuses on himself as he narrates incidents revolving around his wife. This elegy is more of an autobiography as per me. Mathias does write straight from the heart. Some readers might find it hard to relate through the narration, however, those who have lost their spouses to death would very well understand the emotions underlying this piece of writing. There are breaks in the narration but these are like deliberate attempts to both break the monotony in writing as well as to portray the train of thoughts as they happened. The language is not simple but that is a trademark of a writer with vast amount of writing experience behind him. To say that Nina was his inspiration to write would be an understatement. In fact, she is exa...

Every child is unique, a universal truth. However, the moment he or she is able to discover the magic within him or her, it becomes priceless. Unfortunately, the very need to be accepted by peer group might hamper the child's development. The plot revolves around Evie Everyday, a witch who has magical powers within her. But she prefers to change herself and hide her magic so that she is liked by her friends. But does this turn out to be in her favour? Well, to know that please read about Evie in this delightfully wonderful story. Elena Paige is a writer to look out for because she creates magic in this piece of her writing. The language used caters for the reading needs of 9 to 11 years old children. The writer also uses imageries extensively. These imageries are vivid and appealing. The only major issue I found as I read it out to my 6 year old was that the narrative was a bit jerky. There were breaks which could have been avoided. Despite the discontinuity, the story is ...

The book promises to do what it aims to do. It helps introduce and bring out facets of a russian tsar, all under 60 minutes. The book is a quick read and gives out glimpses of a man who is considered to be a psychopath in the history books on Russia. The writing is really simple and can be easily understood. The best part of this book is the fact that all possible facets of this fascinatingly despicable Tsar of Russia has been covered. The imageries are vibrant. Though this book offers snippets only, it does kindle the desire to read up more about this tyrannt. A very well written work for sure. The entire theme revolves around Ivan and all possible facets of his characters have been well brought out. To sum up, if you are a history buff and would love to read about russian history then this is a must read for you. It is concise and short, however, it guarantees to inculcate a sense of curiosity in the readers for sure. P.S- Thank you Tyler for an amazing read. This is ...

What an awesome story! I was transported back to my childhood where I grew up reading about fairies, dragons and princesses. The plot revolves around two brothers and a camp. I can't reveal more except that it is a fantasy if that is your genre. On thee whole, the book is a definite must read. The language is simple and the narrative is compelling. There are no breaks in the narration and that is the best part. There are loads of imageries, visual, aural, tactile. These mental pictures when replicated, on the big screen or the television as a series, would create a blockbuster for sure. Writing for children is not an easy task. Victoria writes while retaining the childlike innocence of all its characters. Hence, kudos to her for penning a story that transports the reader to the lands of magic and fantasy. Besides Aiden and his brother, there are many other characters. Thankfully, they support the storyline and enhance the plot. The characters have been etched out clearly...

When you notice a book by one of your favourite authors you can't help but read his writings instantly. I have been reading Karl's stories not only for the sake of reviewing them but also as a mother. My children love to listen to his stories. The fact that they respond positively while hearing them is yet another bonus. This book revolves around the concept of colours and careers. What I loved about this book is the way Karl has presented varied colours to young readers by using careers and cultures as metaphors. You must read it to appreciate what I mean. The writing is really simple. The book is bilingual as in it presents a Spanish translation as well. Though English works for me and my kids, however, Karl's writings are a good way to teach a foreign language. The illustrations are bright, colourful, apt and definitely appeal to the eyes. Each page represents a colour and a career. It would be wonderful to see an animated version of the same for a visual effe...

I have been on a reading spree since past two months though I haven't been able to post reviews as frequently as I wanted to. Notwithstanding this, I begin with one of my favourites on my reading list Mannethorn's Key. This book is the first story in a triology called The Key of Life. It is an epic fantasy, hence the story is set in a world of fantasy with magic, mystical creatures and enchanted lands. The plot revolves around a man transported to a world called Between, a wizard and their travails together. For further details you need to read the entire story, and trust me, you wont regret it one bit if fantasy is your genre. The language is almost lyrical, as in it has the power to transport the reader into an altogether different world. The narration is a bit slow in the beginning but it picks up pace as the story progresses. Kudos to Simon for use of a descriptive narrative that is neither overbearing nor jerky. The writing justifies the plot at every paragraph, e...

Firstly, I loved the concept of 60 minutes learning. The past few months have been busy for me to actually concentrate and read pages and pages. So, when I had the time to read I found two gems, one being this and the other is Ivan the Terrible which I will review separately. Coming back to this nonfiction, it gives a peek into the world of Greek mythology. Now it would be unfair both to the writer and the wondrous world of mythical Greece if I say this book does not give details. Honestly, I am glad it has enough content to pique my interest in greek mythology so that I research upon them at leisure. I think that was precisely the aim of In60Learning. To be honest, I am not an avid historian and have limited knowledge thanks to my exposure to history in my school. Yet, being a student of psychology, I do realise that mythology plays a great role in shaping up personalities and influencing behaviours. And greek mythology has relevance not only for its roots in ancient Greece, ...

It has been a long time since I posted a review. But that hadn't stopped me from reading. I begin with a review of Piece Keeper. This book is definitely not for those who have a weak heart. The book deals with a serious subject and hence is dark. It is about a rape, rather gangrape of a young intern. Her personal space and dignity is violated when she is not in her senses. To add to her woes the entire investigation is done by her ex-lover. Sure its not a happy scenario and does deserve five stars for the seriousness of the subject. However, there were a few issues which I felt affected my rating. First of all, hats off to the writer for a story concept that revolves around an issue that plagues the world in general and women in particular. Rape is not only a heinous crime, it shakes the very belief of goodness in humanity. But what shook me was the graphic details and the violence. The description was too intense for me. Hence, the language leaves no gory details to imagi...

Sometimes one single book has the power to get you thinking for a long time. I picked up this book for the sheer personal interest I have in the subject it dealt with. Be it the term Fighter Pilot or Art of War, both are topics close to my heart. So it was but natural that I put aside all other books and read this one on top priority. The book deals with the professional and personal life of John Boyd, a man who is revered by the Military fraternity around the world. It gives a peek into the life of a military strategist whose profound thoughts were way ahead of the times and era he lived in. Robert Coram, as a biographist, has brought out the facts as accurately as he could. In fact, this is one biography that is gripping from beginning till the end. His language is simple. The military jargons used have been explained in a manner that can be comprehended even by people from the civvy street. As a military history enthusiast, this book definitely intrigued me since the very f...

This is one zombie story that never gave me nightmares during the sleepless nights that followed. Yes, the plot revolves around a girl's tryst with zombies, or rather the zombie virus, unleashed in her city. It shows how she escapes and how she deals with the ups and downs that come her way. For more input, do read the story. The narrative is fast paced and thats the best part about this story. You wont be able to put the book down without finishing it. Mary does have a distinct writing style. She injects portions where at times a reader ends up with a "have I missed something" kind of feeling. I felt it was an apt way of keeping the reader involved at every step. There were loads of imageries. Sometimes some scenes had the ability to psych you out as well. There is violence, there are dead men and women walking, but that is exactly how a zombie story is supposed to be. The language is simple and easy to understand. There are a set of important characters alo...

First and foremost I would like to post a disclaimer. A rating of two stars from me doesnt mean the book is bad. In fact I would settle with a 2.5 because it is the kind that made me ponder what was the key takeaway from the story and I found myself left wanting. Also, it is a bit more readably readable unlike the description for my two star rating. So I will do the review by stating a positive and then what went wrong for me. The plot started with a bang. A young intern is gangraped and the search is on to nail the culprits. It was a really powerful theme and would have worked wonders but for the glitches. I got lost in the intermittent twists and turns in the storyline. Yes, there were a few scenes which could have been rewritten or re-worded. The narration on the whole gives the feel of a motion picture. It could be filmed into something akin to the action movies with a gothic theme. But when it came to reading per se the language, I felt at times, was way too graphic and v...

This was one book that I read twice to get a better understanding. It is definitely not an easy book to read. But this doesn't take away the beauty of its writing per se. I must admit, this collection did give me a writer's block of sorts for the simple reason that words failed to flow whenever I sat down to write a review post. Notwithstanding, its a collection of thoughts penned by the writer. This anthology comprises of varied topics on which Frances has expresses like an artist and as a poet. Musings have a mind of their own, especially when they flow straight from a writer's heart. Hence there are portions that are simple and easy to understand. Then there are writings that are simple but make the reader stop and think. And then, there are topics where both the writing as well as the expression force the reader to stop everything and ponder, so much so that every time they are read and re-read a deeper meaning is discovered. The writing style is not very...

This is a non-fictional account of understanding the nuances of the Art of Listening. The book highlights the importance of listening skills and what are the required ingredients for effective communication with the help of excerpts from the Bible. The writing style is really simple and lucid, the language is easy to comprehend and narration flows smoothly. Yet, personally for me, one major hitch I had was in understanding the biblical references. I am not an aethist and not a Christian, therefore, thanks to my little knowledge about the bible I did find it a bit difficult to get to the crux of the matter whenever Bible was referred to. However, it doesnot mean that Becky's efforts went in vain. In fact, throughout the book she has taken pains to ensure that her writings reach out to non-practitioners of Christianity as well. Also, though she has explained the Dos and Don'ts about the art of listening but maybe the impact would have been much more had she elaborated the ...

This was Smita's second story that I have read and is one of those stories that I had to read at one go. Yes, the beginning really ot me hooked on. To add on, it is not a sequel and has a standing of its own. The plot revolves around a young woman and her identity. I know it sounds weird but I cannot reveal more lest I give away the story. Suffice to say the story concept per se will not disappoint you. Read it at least once for sure. The language is simple and writing style does try to keep the reader guessing about what will happen next. I say try because I really wish the change in point of views were smoother. No doubt they added the required twist. However, I personally felt, there was a subtle sudden change from the POV (point of view) of the protagonist to that of the others. The story does evoke imageries but the high point is that it does entice you to put on your thinking cap. The concept is ideal for a visual representation for sure. The characters had equal i...

A fantasy which was a lyrical note to my ears, yet sadly, there was something amiss. The story revolves around three people and their world of fantasy. For the what, who, where, why and how, you need to read the story. However, if my words really don't make sense it is because the story still has parts that I am yet to truly understand. I sincerely trued reading it the second time but still I could not comprehend. I must compliment Leonora. The language is poetry in prose. The choice of words, the descriptions, make for a lyrical read. Yet, what actually became a negative was basically, the descriptions. I felt that there were places where simple language would have made it easier to understand the storyline. Maybe, descriptions overshadowed the essence being conveyed. Notwithstanding that, the book was full of imageries and if focus is shifted onto the beauty in the writings, the imageries would make up for the flaws. The characters created definitely added on to the ...

This story never ceased to surprise me. Every time I made presumptions about what would happen next, I was proved wrong. The plot revolves around a boy, his friends and a rocket launch. The story follows the protagonist from his childhood till the former reaches the climax. For the what, how and why you need to read this excellent book. The best feature of the story was the language. Anything and everything mentioned about rockets were so simple that people like me, with no scientific background, could also comprehend what exactly was happening. The descriptions used in the narrative were amazing. They enhanced the beauty of that particular scene without exaggerating or underplaying the person or situation being described. The story was filled with varied imageries and I only hope that this story does get made into a motion picture. The narration was perfectly smooth without any jerks. Kudos to Joel for an excellent narrative. The characters were truly convincing. In fact, i...

Its three days into the new year and what better way than to review a book that awakens the wanderer in me. This book is filled with bite sized stories that are real-life experiences of the author himself. The stories revolve around a unique aspect of a particular place the author has visited. This personal touch is what differentiates this anthology from a travelogue. Dave narrates his experiences straight from his heart. Yes, his writing style is unique and thats precisely the reason why these stories are narrated in storyform rather than an autobiography. His writings do evoke imageries and in order to emphasise better he has made exotic use of photographs. On a lighter note, if you have heard of Food Porn, then these pictures can be categorised as Travel Porn. They are absolutely stunning and you could drool over them for long. The real characters or protagonists are the exotic places that Dave visits and describes about. I must say that the descriptions are so vivid tha...

This is a cute picture book by Karl. I have zero knowledge of Spanish. This story helped me learn a few Spanish words. Being an Indian, my kids loved the illustrations and of course the new words in a new language. The plot revolves around the mystery of crumbs on the stairs and everywhere. For further details please do read the story. Yes the writing is simple. And as a non-spanish speaker I loved the illustrations, the way the translation helped in my understanding. Like I said, my children loved it too. Spanish is neither our mother tongue nor the language we speak. The writings in this book definitely piqued our interest in the language and I will soon be probably enrolling myself for a 'Learn Spanish' course. The images are vibrant and I loved the way the pictures could 'speak out' to the reader. The real protagonist of the story is the storyline itself. The characters and illustrations perfectly execute the same. To sum up, this story is a must read f...

A cute and yet another amazing story by master crafter Karl. This is a picture book eithout sny words. It means no dialogue, no descriptions and beautiful illustrations. This story is about a polar bear, his serendipity with penguins and bowling. You need to pick up this book to get into the interesting world of the protagonist. After reading this story without words I realised that there was indeed truth in the old adage that a picture is worth more than a thousand words. Yes, this wordless story could be understood so much better. While turning the pages I realised that my mind was narrating a story alongside. The auditory imageries made me read effortlessly.  I wish this too gets remade into an animation. The characters in this story are easily identifiable and for the who, how and where, you need to read the story. This story is about meeting new people, making friends, breaking the ice and learning to accept changes. To sum up, a must-see-through story that is exc...