Shadow of Life

This is a larger-than-life kind of book. Where you trade between one character to another or one story to another seamlessly. You don't even feel the need to go back to the other end. You enjoy what is presented to you. Well! At times you despise it too. As per my understanding, the story revolves around three main themes - Relationships, Abuse/Trauma, and Depression. You can find some ideas or opinions interchangeably in these. Character names - Jude, Willem, JB, Malcom, Andy, Harold, Julia and Richard Depression If you have ever read anything Depression, then you just know the tip of the iceberg. This book takes you down on a deeper level and shows you what is underneath the iceberg. Now, you might not be ready for it but it has been shoved at your face. You have to have it despite its uneasiness. I took a break from time to time to grasp the story in a much better way. A person can excel in his career but the ghosts of the past won't let you live in peace. Some incidents are...

It is a compilation of poems with four key themes: being, nature, universe and love. Each theme is further explored from a number of perspectives. The writing style is simple and catchy. One doesn't have to struggle much with the underlying meaning. Some poems will boost your morale, and some will tell you to enjoy the moment in the present. It's up to you how you want to proceed with this journey. There were many favourite poems, yet some didn't work for me. The poetry with Being and Nature as their topics spoke to me more. The author has written so beautifully that you want to finish it in one sitting. Yet, just like with coffee, each drink should be consumed slowly. To fully understand the feelings behind each theme, I thus advise reading each section separately. It is a good book for people who like reading poetry now and then. Rating - 3.5/5 Genre - Poetry

The book has multiple characters, which makes it very difficult to follow. However, once everyone has been introduced, everything begins to make sense. Set amid Edinburgh Festival makes the story more happening as every character has a specific role in the festival. It is fascinating to see how they unexpectedly cross paths. The book starts with Tess Goodwin, who works in the Main office, then moves on to other characters like Albert Deussuin, Angelique Pascal, Rene Brownlow, Gavin, etc. The best thing is each character has a unique gift and struggles to overcome, yet it’s interesting to see how they work together to support one another. Initially, you might be put off, but if you give it some time, you’ll get hooked. I believe each character represents us in some or the other way. When I first started reading this book, I didn’t have high expectations, but by the time I finished it, I was happy with how well-structured it was. If you are planning to read a light book, go for it. Ratin...

There are 30 short stories in the book that focuses on women of different age and background. Each narrative brings out something different. The underlining themes are sexism, racism, toxic masculinity, the feeling of loneliness, undermining one's worth, gender politics, and so much more. Some stories might look weird, some are hilarious, and then some effects you deeply. While reading, you will feel yourself connecting to many stories, so there is this feeling of being connected to other individuals in some way, and you won't feel alone. I felt the book is not blaming anyone per se but how women are perceived, in general, despite doing double the work. Women need to demonstrate their abilities more, especially in fields where they are underappreciated by males. Each story has a deeper meaning since it uses humour to illuminate serious subjects. I adore the vasectomy situation when a man wants one but the hospital's female staff members who uphold the law deny it because it...

While some books keep you interested regardless of the plot, others demand your attention. Then, some show you the mirror and don't differentiate between good and evil. It keeps everything as it is to make you understand what is right or wrong, for you, not for anybody else. This book made me look into myself, my bad habits, my traits where I excel and also those where I can do well. I believe the purpose of reading matters while reading self-help or motivational literature. It is like attending a class where you want to learn something or pass the time. You can only learn about things when you are will take action. So, this book might mean different things to different people. I loved how it taught me to examine my behaviour and rearrange some aspects of my life to address the problem. As is often remarked, all it takes to find a solution is to alter our perspective on the situation. And for that, we need to keep our minds open. Whenever we struggle, one thing occupies our mind so...

It is a book about three characters, Ruhi, Aisha and Tejas. Their lives are interconnected as they work in a publishing house. The book begins on a positive note, discussing the inner workings of publishing houses and the lives of editors, authors and social media administrators. As the title suggests, the book discusses the issues adults face daily. Like anxiety, body-shaming issues, manipulation, coming to terms with our unhealthy eating habits and accepting ourselves, being under the constant pressure of doing things right because of our parents, writer's block, not knowing how to come up with a solution to the mistakes we have made without even realising. It also talks about adult relationships where we forget a few clashes and support each other when it is needed. Not necessarily, being friends, but being a good acquaintance. Also, I found it interesting to observe human behaviour in certain circumstances and reflect on how we behave emotionally rather than being rational abou...

When you hear the word "Sugar bread," what comes to your mind? For me, it was some sugar sprinkled on the bread, just like how my brother and I used to eat during our childhood days. Having something sweet to eat back then was a privilege, and this was a perfect replacement. We don't make it often now, but we still love sugar paranthas. See, I also told you a tale about myself behind this. Similarly, this book is all about mini-stories that involve food. It gives off a warm and fuzzy vibe, where everything looks straightforward, but it isn't. When we witness our elders spending their lives in the same way day in and day out, we tend to assume that adult life is the best. Everything appears to be perfect, but things change once we put ourselves in their shoes. There are moments in our life that change for the better or good we don't get to know at the moment, but they leave us so vulnerable that it becomes difficult to make sense of anything. Here, the mother alway...