Book review: Supertraits of Superstars

About the book:

Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Hrithik Roshan, Ranbir Kapoor, Katrina Kaif, Vidya Balan, Karan Johar. Each of these celebrities are adored and looked up to by millions who aspire to emulate their success stories. But what is it that separates them, and other Bollywood stars, from the rest? Which is that one defining trait that makes them stand out, and how can you benefit from knowing it? 

In this one-of-a-kind book, Priyanka Sinha Jha looks at eleven luminaries from Bollywood, and the attribute that is perhaps most responsible for their success. She details their stories, their struggles, their efforts to overcome setbacks, and what it is about them that made them not just reach the top of their game, but stay there. Be it Amitabh Bachchan’s discipline, Aamir Khan’s perfectionist nature, Salman Khan’s generosity, John Abraham’s enterprise Supertraits of Superstars will show you how to live life star-size.

or Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s grace—each star has one unique quality that others can imbibe to reach greater heights in their own lives. With pithy observations and inspirational conversations,

 About the Author:

Priyanka Sinha Jha is a journalist who in her eighteen-year-long career, has written on celebrities, films, lifestyle, business and more. She has been a correspondent for publications as varied as Citadel, The Asian Age and Intelligent Investor. At the age of twenty-six, she became the editor of Society, India's first celebrity magazine, followed by a stint as editor of HT Style and HT Saturday. Currently, she is the editor of Screen, India's foremost film and entertainment weekly. She has also contributed toOutlook, The Week and Tehelka, and has a regular column in The Indian Express: Play. Between analysing celebrities and earning her daily bread, she likes to travel to unknown destinations, watch films and argue endlessly on egalitarian issues with friends and family.

My Review:
For the majority of prospective readers who would not risk buying this book because of its unconventional theme, Here's what I have to say: who knew self-help could get this interesting?
For those who always view bollywood stars with skepticism and antagonism, this is what the book says: check your facts, these stars are people who carved a niche for themselves and worked hard to reach the zenith of success, overcoming their Achilles heels, or reinventing themselves.
And to the generic category of bibliophiles out there: this is what the book has in store for you. Stories of 11 film stars who fought the odds, and turned the tide in their favour with detemination and grit.
The idea of the author is very novel. The extent to which the author has been successful in delivering what she intended to is worthy of appreciation.
Now the writer is leaving you with moral stuff about your favourite stars, but without being didactic, the singular quality which is found lacking when it comes to  writing inspirational boks. So tis book teaches you just one important lesson: If they can, so can you!
The book is also replete with a plethora of inspiring quotes which makes for an interesting read.
As for the comprehensiveness, there is something still amiss. While the book does not leave a reader unsatisfied, but at the same time, the reader is left yearning for more.
Looking forward to sequels to this book, which might include other stars who missed a mention in this one.

Best Line: 
The person who speaks words that bear no malice will always be liked, but the person who is discerning with truth is revered.

My judgement:

When they say, it is a one-of-its-kind book, they are being honest, so go grab your copy NOW!



The book was received as part of Reviewers Programme on The Tales Pensieve

Where do I get free ebooks???

As a regular book blogger, and a bibliophile, I have often been asked by people: Where can I find ebooks for free?
Not everyone can spend a fortune on buying every other books, and students can even legally download the .pdf versions of certain books in their curriculum.
Here's a list of websites where you can get books for free!

1) Project Gutenberg
If you are looking for classics to read, then this is the place to go. Project Gutenberg offers over 42,000 free ebooks: choose among free epub books, free kindle books, download them or read them online.

They are also diversifying into audio books.

2) Readanybook .com

If you can manage the hassles of downloading across extensions that dont work immediately but require further treatment, go ahead for this one.

3) FreeBookSpot

With genres ranging from non-fiction to programming to management to fantasy novels, it has a database of a huge variety.

4)  ManyBooks.net

 Browse through the most popular titles, recommendations, or recent reviews from our visitors. Perhaps you'll find something interesting in the special collections. There are more than 29,000 eBooks available for Kindle, Nook, iPad and most other eReaders, and they're all free! If you still can't decide what to read you might want to browse through some covers to see what strikes your fancy

5) Get Freeee books 

 With the tagline 'All the ebooks you need', do check out their list '183 ebooks you must read before you die'.

6) You can also search for books at http://en.bookfi.org/ or bookza.org

7) https://www.free-ebooks.net/
Not every book is available, but some lesser known books, which you not find anywhere else on the internet might be buried here. Across numerous genres, we have free e-books and for an upgraded account you can also access audiobooks.

8) http://manybooks.net/

Author Interview and spotlight: Harsh Agarwal

He is one of those rare multi-faceted personalities you get to know in a lifetime.
Harsh Agarwal, who has just embarked his twenties, believes that life is all about experimenting and exploring. An artist by soul, an entrepreneur by profession and an engineer by education, Harsh has played a diverse range of roles in a very short span of time. A true foodie and a huge travel enthusiast, Harsh loves to meet new people and try new things. At present, he is residing in the beautiful state of Assam to complete his graduation in National Institute of Technology, Silchar
Harsh Aggarwal is the author of three books. His latest, Nazaqat was reviewed by us here.

1)     How do you feel on getting published?

Well it’s my third time but trust me, it feels equally good! I was equally ecstatic when I held the book in my hands for the first time. As clichéd as it maybe, but there is no better way to put it – that is it felt like you are holding your baby for the first time.

2)     What was writing like? Lonely? What was it like to get under the skin of the characters, especially since you have etched certain intricate characters?

Writing the book is definitely lonely. Especially when you are writing a full length book, you need to avoid all sorts of temptations and keep on writing it. Usually authors take break of months and write it in a very intermittent manner. I personally don’t believe in taking such long breaks while writing which makes the entire procedure tedious and of course, lonely. Getting into the skin of characters – it can give you Goosebumps at times. While you are diving into the depths of character, knowing their darkest secrets, knowing them better than themselves…you get a point where you can feel them alive. And that is the point from where they go with their own flow. You no more direct them. Rather, you become one with them. It’s just amazing…beyond description perhaps.

3)     Why did you choose to write the story of a prostitute, some calculated risk?

I never chose the concept. It chose me. That’s what I believe when it comes to concepts and ideas. We don’t control them. They just happen at random times at random places and this is indeed the sheer beauty of ideas.

Didn’t really think about risk. I just thought it was a brilliant idea and I won’t die in peace if I had abandon it!

4)     What is your life like, apart from writing? Who/what inspires you to write.

Apart from writing, I have this small firm of mine named The Asylum which consumes most of my time. And I am still completing my graduation in NIT Silchar, Assam. In my leisurely hours, I like to travel, interact, socialize, read, observe and think. You can visit my website www.agarwalharsh.com to know more about me.

I get inspired by small little things in life. A moment of happiness or gloom, a little playing kid on the street or maybe an old woman sitting on a desolated bench in the park. Just anything!

5)     So, who is the writer, Sasha, Mathews, or Harsh?

All of them actually. Mathews wrote it initially. I guess Harsh found it somewhere and then maybe, Sasha stole it!

6)     Any message to your readers?

Just keep reading! It definitely rinses your soul. Be open-minded and keep on trying new things. Life is all about experimenting and exploring!

 The latest Book, Nazaqat can be bought online:

At amazon

http://www.amazon.in/Nazaqat-fiction/dp/8192692620/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1398006705&sr=1-1&keywords=nazaqat

At Homeshop

http://www.homeshop18.com/nazaqat/author:sasha-h-singhal/isbn:9788192692616/books/fiction/product:31443143/cid:13167/

At Flipkart:

http://www.flipkart.com/nazaqat/p/itmdrg627pyckfya?pid=9788192692623&otracker=from-search&srno=t_2&query=Nazaqat&ref=8ef1005f-30ed-457a-b0b0-a638e62b8c5f

Information source: personal author interview and author website agarwalharsh.com

Book Review: Nazaqat by Sasha H Singhal

About the book:

Naazani, a shy girl with a lonely childhood, was born and brought up in Dehradun. She moves to a metropolitan for further education and gets absorbed. In a series of events, she decides to adopt prostitution and becomes one of the most successful high profile escorts of the city with the help of her manager Sharat.
In a quest to be successful, she leaves her friends behind and dedicates more time to her profession. Nazaqat witnesses a police raid at a nearby place and the real scenario of prostitution terrifies her.She decides to take a stand and do something about it. However, Sharat convinces her that she is not powerful enough to make a difference
Nazaqat retires and pool all her money and starts a restaurant – Joy
foods in partnership with Sharat. The business grows and soon enough they have numerous outlets in various cities and Naazani Singh Shekhawat emerges as a significant entrepreneur of nation.
To cherish the old memories, she organizes a group together and calls all her old friends. Next morning, it is found that something drastic happened the night before.
Meanwhile, she invites an author – Matthews, who is an old acquaintance to pen down her own biography. He visits her each night and in a series of ten nights, her story finds its crescendo.

Will prostitution be legalized?  What’s her intention with the biography she is planning? What shall be the fate of Naazani Singh Shekhawat aka Nazaqat?
Nazaqat is a very detailed and carefully woven story which is a unique blend of thrill and drama. It is a refreshing story about a girl who adopts prostitution on her own will and starts a quest to legalize prostitution in India. While it’s entertaining because of the commercial voice, it also addresses grave issues of feminism, prostitution and homosexuality in society.

About the author:

The identity of the author remains a mystery: Mathews, Harsh A singhal, or Sasha H, Singhal. (wink)
Read our author interview here.

My Review:

The author's setting, plot, idea, narration, character etching all are fairly commendable. The part I like the most was that the story is replete with twists and turns and that helps to keep the reader hooked till the last page.
The distressing aspect, if any, was an abrupt ending and the editing especially for a grammar Nazi.
The book takes a neutral take on human foibles and human choices. With rhetoric comments on marriage writers life morals et al, this is undoubtedly worthy of a read.
Also, with fallible characters what sets this book apart is the fact that he does not attempt to reveal any dark side or pretend to have a funny bone. in other words unlike contemporary authors the author does not try to force his humor or seriousness upon anyone, particularly the characters and the readers. Smoothly read, and fortunately not one of the books trying to get into IIT of contemporaries, if you know what I mean.

The poem whose stanza is given before each chapter is exotically and brilliantly crafted. The character of Nazaqat is so exquisite, one can't help but smile at her idiosyncrasies.

Add to that the social tangent that the author introduces by addressing the issues of homosexuality, prostitution in a way that blends in the novel flawlessly, and you have a perfect read.

My judgment:

A very open ended book which dies at one level mark the triumph of good over evil nevertheless leaves much to the readers interpretation. overall a pretty serene read.

Best line:

A slut is just a woman with the morals of a man.

The book can be bought online:

At amazon, it is:

http://www.amazon.in/Nazaqat-fiction/dp/8192692620/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1398006705&sr=1-1&keywords=nazaqat

At Homeshop:

http://www.homeshop18.com/nazaqat/author:sasha-h-singhal/isbn:9788192692616/books/fiction/product:31443143/cid:13167/

At Flipkart:

http://www.flipkart.com/nazaqat/p/itmdrg627pyckfya?pid=9788192692623&otracker=from-search&srno=t_2&query=Nazaqat&ref=8ef1005f-30ed-457a-b0b0-a638e62b8c5f

Book Review: Life Mantras By Preeti Subberwal

About the book:

Are you looking for valuable insights on every aspect of life? Are you interested in a book that precisely and concisely explains whatever you need to learn about life? Are you seeking for the ways to run your life smoothly, effectively and miraculously? If you say yes to any of the above questions, then you are holding the right book in your hand. This is a book that throws light on all the dimensions of life. The powerful life mantras provided will not just help you to stay positive and happy but also will inspire you to be your best. It is a book to be experienced and savoured before assimilating anything. It has been designed to give you a visual delight besides leading you on the road to deep and profound wisdom. It will empower you to unravel the mysteries and discover the secrets of life. It will encourage you to commit yourself to continual improvement and helping others and once you resolve to do so, it doesnt matter from where you started, there is no telling who you will become and what you will accomplish during your journey. 

About the author:

  Preeti Subberwal is the Founding Director of Thoughtful Engagement, a firm that facilitates quick and sustainable positive change and transformation in individuals and organizations through powerful and innovative programs. Preeti is passionately committed to delivering personal and professional development workshops, seminars and coaching programs that empower the participants to attain their next level of success, fulfillment and self-mastery. 

My Review:

If you are a regular reader of self-help this book will act as your coffee table book and help you to memorize your beliefs each morning. If you aren't a regular in this genre, then this may be the perfect means to enter into this domain. If you are one of those who usually shirk from reading self-help, here's a thing for you. The way in which the advice is presented, which includes photoshopped pages, and systematized headings, among other things, is sure to engage you. This book can make an ideal morning companion, what with a treat of quotations at the end of each page. And the best part of it all is that it leaves no aspect: from concentration, focus and energy, to rekindling your passion, discovering your purpose, serving others, it encompasses all. It has the crux of all the life-changing self-help that exists, and it will definitely empower you. Judgement: It is easy to read, even for a beginner in this genre, hence that makes it worthy. "This book review is a part of The Readers Cosmos Book Review Program. To get free books log on to thereaderscosmos.blogspot.com"

Book Review: The Other Side by Faraaz Kazi, Vivek Banerjee

About the book:
A slow rasping sound made me turn. I jumped back, the cell phone leaving my hands and smashing against the concrete floor. Someone was seated on the chair, rocking back and forth. Through the fallen light, I could see those hands placed on the arms of the chair, two gruesome wrinkled limbs with ugly boils plastered over the black skin. The red bangles on its wrists shone in my eyes, momentarily blinding me. That thing and I call it a thing because I could sense it wasnt human as no human could have such a hideous form, as vile an existence as the one seated opposite to my horrified self.

From a honeymoon in the hill that goes horribly wrong to an obsessed lover who wants his first love in life and in death; From a mentally deranged man who collects body parts of various women to stitch together his dream girl to a skeptic who enters a mansion of horrors to win a bet and much more, this book is filled with scenarios that are guaranteed to give you goosebumps and sleepless nights.
The Other Side is a collection of thirteen tales of the paranormal; a world that our eyes refuse to see, our ears deny hearing and our senses ignore the feel of. This is a book for someone who is brave enough to take up this invitation to journey through uncharted waters along with the authors, who were inspired by some bizarre experiences to pen down this work where the lines of reality have been blurred by the footsteps of imagination.

Each story takes you on a tour de force of unadulterated horror and draws upon the deepest fear in the human mind- the fear of the Unknown! 

Book Trailer: 
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_UlAPULBZvY
 

About the author:

A pediatrician by profession, Vivek Banerjee is an author by accident.He lives in Saharanpur with his parents, obstetrician wife and two children. The pressures of his profession leave him with little leisure but he still finds time for his varied interests. An avid traveller, he has covered the length and breadth of the country in real life and the rest of the world in his imagination. A voracious reader, music lover, self-confessed geek and an amateur ornithologist, he would rather walk the road less travelled, given the time and opportunity. A Bengali by birth, he has grown up in various towns of North India and studied in many different schools and colleges. He started writing on Rediff blogs where he is known as Ben and went on to write his debut novel THE LONG ROAD.
He has also been published by Westland in 'Chicken Soup for Indian Doctors Soul', Grapevine India in 'Shades of Love' and APK Publishers in 'Shades of Black'.
He won an all India short story competition for his story 'The hunter'which was published in 'Kaleidoscope' by Parlance publishers.
An anthology of stories about the paranormal, 'The Other Side', co-authored with Faraaz Kazi is a recent offering. He is also a part of 'Carnival' by Litizen.com

The winner of the 2013 National Debut Youth Fiction Award and also the recipient of the YCOF National Excellence award in Creative Writing apart from being the first Indian author to win the coveted ‘Best Debut (Romance)’ title at the international Goodreads choice awards, Faraaz Kazi has been tagged as the 'Nicholas Sparks of India’ by many and is rated amongst the top male romance writers in the country.
A certified soft-skills trainer and a three-time post grad, Kazi is the Founder and CEO of DigiImprint Solutions, India's first exclusive promotional agency for authors and artists that recently forayed into handling corporate brands. He also consults for a few public relations firms and publishing houses. Felicitated by numerous institutes, bodies and organizations alike, Kazi is a well-known name in the social media and literary fraternity. He is fondly referred to as 'The Young Marketer' and operates a revolutionary blog with the same name and writes for major media houses.

Kazi is a fellow member of the esteemed 'Film Writers Association of India.' Truly Madly Deeply, his debut mainstream romance novel is the only Indian book to have seven category nominations in the Goodreads annual readers' choice awards and is also the only Indian book in the 'Top 100 YA Global Fiction' list. Kazi is a voracious reader and counts singing as his second love. 


My Review:

We make up horrors to help us cope with the real ones. The book begins with these words of Stephen king, and one may as well think that this is yet another attempt at scaring the reader out of his wits. But the truth is, it is not just another book. This one really does that. After R.L. Stine's writing, if anything can give goosebumps, it is this collection of horror stories. Each of the stories would individually make full-fledged horror-thriller movies that can make you lose your sleep. The authors have really great insight as to the fear of the unknown. After reading each story, the reader is able to envisage an other side, travel to it, and then coming to terms with reality becomes a raw deal. The urban, educated masses are skeptic and rational when it comes to explaining these events, but this book is here to reaffirm the belief that indeed there is 'the other side' and that some inexplicable occurrences best be explained by the existence of the other side only. In this spooky collection, where one story surpasses another in its eerie, spine-chilling content.

If you consider yourself brave, take this challenge of not being chicken-hearted while reading this book in entirety, fully engrossed in the world the doors of which it opens for you. The descriptions make it hard not to believe what happened and your reason and rationality cannot explain it. This book will make the belief in supernatural immortal.

 Unexpected, raw, bone-chilling horror awaits you. For days now, I am still scared at the thought of waking up in the wee hours of night. Reading it at night before going to bed was a sheer underestimation of the horrifying stories that I read. The goosebumps haven't subsided yet.

Judgement:

Macabre characters, eerie events, uncanny places, supernatural beliefs, horrible scenarios left unexplained, sinister ramifications....interesting? Go grab you copy!

Best lines: 

ghosts, evil spirits are a by-products of a fanciful imagination. These are cooked up tales to usurp the property in the long run.

"This book review is a part of The Readers Cosmos Book Review Program. To get free books log on to thereaderscosmos.blogspot.com"