Author Spotlight and Interview: Virendra Desai

Read our review of the book here.

Interview:

Ques: What inspired you to pen down such a different book: that of the courageous stories of ordinary women?

Ans: Well, I was out on a expensive shopping trip with my girlfriend (which I had gifted her). While she and her friends were in the trial room (which, usually takes around eternity!), I had nothing else to do rather than guessing the bill. There I saw a lady, old, may be 50, wrinkles on her face guarding the ladies changing room, she was the lady security guard there, for keeping an eye on number of clothes women take inside. I had a very strong urge to go up to her and talk! I spoke to her for five minutes, and my life took a different turn. She was 51, wearing a pant, shirt and a cap, working as a security guard. Her husband was disabled, her two boys were studying engineering, and she alone earned and provided food, shelter to the family,and education to her kids. I was taken aback by the lady's determination! I asked her, how much did she earn? The reply baffled me! Her one month's salary was my one month's petrol bill. In those five minutes she poured her heart out. I walked away with heavy heart and decided that no matter what, I would write a book, which would contain this lady's and many other inspirational stories of struggle and optimism. This way the idea emerged. I went and interviewed 7 different women, ranging from Manager of a multinational bank, to a lady security guard outside the ladies changing room in a shopping mall.

Ques: How did you choose the title of the book, considering I have been curious over how someone came up with such a simple, yet symbolic title?

Ans: The title is very symbolic Kritika. Whether she is my mother, your mother or anybody's mother; you yourself, or in that case any lady in the entire world- I truly believe that, every woman's life on this planet earth is like a poetry. Hence the title! Just like the concept, it popped up in my head one fateful day.

Ques:  How was the experience of writing a book, and seeing it get published?

Ans: I self published the book. The writing experience was life altering. The passion I felt was like never before. All the women in the book took me to the flashback in their lives, and believe me Kritika, I was awe-inspired. I was a layman in the publishing industry, hence in order to get published I had to do a lot of research. I tried pitching the book to some big publishers, but nothing fruitful happened. So, for a concept of this magnitude, I had to take the chance and self publish. I created checkpoints- like obtaining ISBN numbers for my company, designing a cover and the bookmarks, finding the cheapest printing option - almost at par with the rate at which big publishers print; and many more tasks involved with bringing the book to reality. Finally on 25th August 2014, the book saw the light of the day for the first time.

Ques: 4. What can we expect next?

Ans: Currently I am working on part-2 of the book "The Poetry Of A Common Indian Female: Real Indian Women, Real Stories of Hope and Optimism!". The second part will contain '11' real inspirational stories of common Indian women. Who knows, I might write a book about women with no nationality barrier! I would love to do that. Because I truly believe that every woman on this planet earth is special, and worthy of being an Inspiration to billions!

Thank you for the questions Kritika. It was wonderful answering them.

Find the book/author here:

Official website

Book Review: Black, grey and white by Santosh Avvanavar and Santosh I. Biradar

About the book:

This book gifts its readers five fantastic short stories that has a common aim – to spread awareness about AIDS. It is an opportunity for people to unite in the fight against AIDS and show their solidarity for HIV positive people. The book is an eye opener for anyone who wish to see the wave of positive change in society. Everyone including the brave hearts Savita, Chintu, Mithali has the right to live with their head held high without fear of social ostracization. Life does not have to be like this. The time is ripe to act now with one’s sense and sensibility. Break the myths. Come, be the change!

About the Author:

Santosh Avvannavar: Santosh started his career as a consultant and Soft Skills Trainer. After his college education from NITK, Surathkal, he worked as a researcher at University of Eindhoven, University of Twente, and Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore. He was also the Placement President while working at IISC, Bangalore. He has over twenty-five publications of mostly research documents in national and international journals. He has also authored sixteen conference papers and regularly writes articles for a national and worldwide daily paper. He also works as an advisor for different organizations. He also dabbles in fiction writing and is the author of Adhuri Prem Kahaniya; Dear Wife, Your Husband is not a Superhero, Second Heart and Get a Job WITHOUT an Interview; Be A B.A.; Surrogate Author; Title is Untitled. He likes to devote his personal time in writing for a website, namely the Amrita Foundation for HRD (amritafoundation.wordpress.com). He has conducted seminars and training sessions for more than 40,000 people in India and abroad over the last seven years.

Santosh I. Biradar: Santosh is presently pursuing Bachelor's in Social Work from J.G.College of Social Work, Bijapur affiliated to Rani Chennamma University. He is also the founder secretary of Chaitanya Organisation, Bijapur. He is also associated with Deshpande Foundation as a lead ambassador. He won 'Best Reporter' award in Youth for Development Program's and 'Best Education award' from Deshpande Foundation for providing free computer training to the orphan children. He also volunteered various activities such as Google Inktalks, NSS (A special camp for Leprosy people), life skills for orphan children. He participated and evolved many school development programs for drop out children as well.

My Review:

This book reviews in a similar fashion as the author's other books have been. 

The intention of the book is too powerful and too noble. But the words used and the manner of bringing the message fails to do justification to it. 

For one, the intention and the motivation of spreading social awareness about how the social ostracisation of humans of trivial issues and bases  is illogical, is too powerful, and requires a lot of conviction in writing. It is risky in itself to tread such taboo territories. And to go against the stigma and established status quo hence necessitates a lot of conviction from the author penning the plot such that his conviction is transferred to the reader. As an objective even great writers have failed to cater to all diverse groups. So it does not come as a surprise that a contemporary piece falls short. 

One good point about the book is how so many hitherto unspoken issues and social constructs previously not encroached upon have been brought to notice of the reader in a different light.

Juvenile narration, insipid  language and grammatical flaws do little to enhance the reading experience.

Book Review: F**k It Is the Answer by John C Parkin

About the book:

Think of a question – any question! (okay, maybe not a question like “what was the name of my physics teacher?”). Then turn to a page, and experience the magic… the magic of F**k It. We all have questions. And the bestselling F**k It books have provided answers to hundreds of thousands of people around the world. The F**k It philosophy – of not worrying so much, of letting go more, of caring less what others think and doing your own thing – has provided answers that work in real life, every day.

In F**k It Is the Answer, John C. Parkin adds another element to the F**k It mix: by inviting you to ask your question, and then turn randomly to a page that offers you a F**k It-style answer, he recruits the magical powers of your own unconscious… or ‘fate’… or ‘spirit’… or whatever it is that seems to guide us to the correct answers when we allow it. So this book is about ‘allowing it’. Just as F**k It is about ‘allowing it’ – relaxing, trusting, going with the flow, and allowing the magic to happen. This book is F**k It Squared: taking the powerful wisdom of F**k It, and then recruiting whatever worldly or unworldly magic it is that makes this work.

Make no mistake though: work it does.

So… ask your question, and turn to a page

Hardcover, 248 pages

Published November 10th 2014 by Hay House, Inc.

About the Author:

John & Gaia have had a huge amount of press coverage over the last few years: mainly for their F**k It books and F**k It Weeks, but also for setting up The Hill That Breathes retreat centre in Italy, which won 'Best European Retreat' in 2011.

More about them here

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My Review:

"As a guide, say, you ask any question, and open up a random page for the answer, it can be a great resource indeed."

Our generation takes pride in the fact that they couldn't care less. Like, we have become so accustomed to hearing these ubiquitous phrases: so what?, big deal! what have I got to do with it? or the classic, "F**k it"

And this book provides us a way to channel all our energy into f**cking it, not giving a damn, but on a spiritual level. It does not make you feel guilty about being so carefree, instead this particular book tells you how f**k it is the answer to all your problems, questions, nagging doubts.

As it turns out, this is a book in a series of such books where the authors have brought forward the f**k it therapy.

I did not know about it before, and now upon seeing how successfully the whole mechanism is going on, the book begins to make sense. 

The first read made me feel all nauseous and I doubted if it was all just a parody. Sooner rather than later did I realize that this book was in fact re-iterating a strategy so that it becomes a chant for the reader. 

Certainly, the book helped me chant the apparently magical words to get through all questions: whether it be lack of focus, or lack of perspective. F**k it is the answer to all situations according to the book.

Although I haven't be able to comprehend in entirety what logical difference this strategy makes in times of difficulties or dilemmas, I will admit that it is at least a vent to the pent-up emotions.

As a guide, say, you ask any question, and open up a random page for the answer, it can be a great resource indeed.

Disclaimer: I received the review ebook from NetGalley

Spotlight: Fraudster by RV Raman

Title:  Fraudster

Author: R V Raman

Category: Fiction

 Publisher: Hachette

Date: 2014

Price: Rs. 250

Pages: 272

ISBN: 9350098008

Fraudster : The Story of Corporate India’s Black Sheep:

Fraudster is a suspense thriller from R. V. Raman set in the world of corporate finance.

Summary of the Book

Some people will do anything to silence anyone they think are obstacles. They won’t stop at anything, not even murder. In this thrilling novel, a young banker deposes before a commission investigating large-scale financial fraud. She is found dead the very next day. Meanwhile, a leader of corporate India falls to his death from his South Bombay flat. In a multinational accounting firm, the high-security server room is hacked. The hackers want more than just company secrets. Illegal finance, high-profile crimes and brutal manipulation combine in this tale of greed, treachery and corruption amidst corporate India’s worst members.

About R. V. Raman

R. V. Raman is an Indian writer and the former head of KPMG's Consulting Practice and the co-head of their Risk Advisory Services. He was also partnered with A.T. Kearney and Arthur Andersen, and boasts an experience of over three decades and covering four continents. Currently a faculty member at the Indian Institute of Management, Trichy, he teaches Business Strategy. He is based in Chennai and this is his first book.

Copies Available at all online stores:

1.      Flipkart: 

2.      Amazon:  

3.      Infibeam: 

Know More Inside Stories, Connect with The Author:

Twitter: @RvRaman_

Read the book? Write a review on Goodreads:

Author spotlight and Interview: Purba Chakraborty

Interview

Congratulations on the publication of your book, “The Hidden Letters”.

The story of an author, a loving wife, and doting mother, whose peaceful life turns upside down. The epicenter of this turmoil is her past. And in an intriguing story unfolds the destiny of Anaya.

Question: So, tell us moments that were very special while writing this book?

Answer: Thank you so much.

I had a wonderful time writing this book. The scenes of Anaya and Olivia reminded me of my mother and I wondered if she would have been alive today, I would have shared a similar relationship with her. Some chapters also made me deeply emotional. I remember I cried like anything after penning down a chapter. And finally when I completed the book, the joy and relief that I got was incredible. I was so happy for my protagonist, Anaya.

Question: You have created women characters that a reader identifies with, portrayed as women of substance, opinionated and strong. Was it a deliberate attempt or did it flow in the story?

Ans:  It was quite deliberate. When the plot of “The Hidden Letters” struck my mind, I wanted to create a woman protagonist who is very strong and dignified and yet vulnerable. Someone who has flaws and who makes mistakes but her compassion, patience and love will be able to touch hearts of readers.

Question: All writers draw from their everyday life, what was it in the novel that has been heavily borrowed from yours?

Ans: The plot of the book was not borrowed from my life but the characters of this book are largely inspired by real life characters who I know personally.

Question: This one is tricky: Blogging or writing?

Ans: I started blogging even before my first book was published. So blogging has been an integral part of my life. However now after writing 2 books, I want to dedicate more time to writing. But if I don’t write at least 3 blog posts in a month, I feel awful and culpable.

Question: Should we judge a book by its story or by the book’s commercial success? We would love to hear your take on this!

Ans: We should definitely judge a book by its story and not by its commercial success. A book’s commercial success depends largely on the marketing and promotion of the book. Even if a bad book gets marketed in the right way, it will be a commercial successful novel. There are plenty of such hyped books in the market that can barely touch even one reader’s heart. Every good writer may not be capable of marketing and promoting his books in the best possible way but that does not make him a less good writer. If a person is genuinely interested in reading good books, he should check out reviews by some good book reviewers rather than relying on a book’s commercial success.

Question: Do you believe that only happy endings work in novels, as far as the Indian readers or the Indian set-up is concerned?

Ans: There is a huge set of readers who only read books that have happy endings. If they come to know somehow that the book has a tragic ending, they won’t even read it. I really find this logic funny but that’s how it is. Many people read fiction to escape reality. Happy endings make them feel happy whereas tragic endings land them back to reality. Everyone might like a book with a happy ending but everyone would not like a book that has a tragic or incomplete ending.

Thanks for your time and answers. We wish you the best of luck for your book! And hoping to read more from you!