Book Recommendation by KD

In Whispers of the Blue Ghost, Pratikshya Panda invites readers to step quietly into a landscape shaped by memory, longing, and the ever-shifting contours of loss. This evocative poetry collection is not a loud lamentation of grief, but rather a soft, persistent whisper—an intimate exploration of what it means to hold on to the past while learning to let go. At the heart of each poem in this book lies a delicate balance between simplicity and emotional depth. Pratikshya’s poems do not overwhelm with complex language or abstract metaphors. Instead, they whisper truths with a gentleness that lingers long after the final poem has been read. There’s an amount of restraint that allows each image—whether it be water, bone, star, or shadow—to resonate deeply, creating an atmosphere where the reader can feel both grounded and suspended, real and dreamlike. The recurring imagery of nature in Whispers of the Blue Ghost—especially water—serves as a powerful metaphor for grief and memo...

PB Flower’s Ace Umbra is a richly layered novel that defies categorization, blending elements of science fiction, mystery, mythology, and human drama into a compelling narrative. At its core, it’s a story about identity, memory, and the choices that define us. The plot is intricate, the stakes are high, and the characters are unforgettable, making this book a thrilling ride from start to finish. The book opens with a seemingly innocuous moment: a young girl’s sixteenth birthday celebration, where a teasing exchange with a catering assistant becomes an unspoken promise to protect her. Fast forward 21 years, and this promise resurfaces in a tangled web of murder, hidden agendas, and supernatural forces. The protagonist of the story is called Ace. He is a man with a complicated past and extraordinary abilities. A former attorney turned detective, Ace possesses powers that go far beyond human comprehension. As a Superior Ecophile—an alien with the ability to read people and obj...

Book Review: The Extraordinary Life of Max Bulandi This book takes readers on a fascinating journey into the chaotic world of sex, drugs, and rock ’n’ roll, all set against the backdrop of India’s changing times. At its heart, it tells the story of Max Bulandi, a man whose charm and unpredictable life left a lasting impact on everyone he met. It also follows Nirvana, a struggling journalist who sets out to uncover Max’s story and ends up discovering much more. Nirvana is at a low point in his life. After his long-term girlfriend leaves him, his career stalls, and his old drug addiction resurfaces. One day, while sorting through old magazines, he stumbles across a 1970s issue of Junior Standard. An article about a rock band called The Flow and its lead singer Max Bulandi catches his attention. Curious and desperate for direction, Nirvana decides to learn more about Max. His search takes him from Mumbai to Kolkata, Shillong, and Banaras as he pieces together Max’s life throug...

Book name: Black Soul Author: Sachin Warty Publishers: HarperCollins  Amazon Link Blurb:  Review: Life is unexpected. We can never know how it will turn or when it will end, especially in the case of military personnel and other security forces. Stories about their lives reflect a reality that is entirely different from that of ordinary people. From the outside, it may seem thrilling, exciting, and full of action, but on the inside, it's incredibly difficult to cope with, especially for the families of these officers. When I started this book and read Gene’s character, I realized how difficult it is for an officer’s family to deal with the loss of a loved one. While the story here is different, I’m speaking in general about this perspective. Using such stories with mystery, trust, and unexpected twists, combined with a main protagonist like Mihir, feels like an entertainment package. However, this time it also led me down a slightly different path. That...

Life is full of unexpected turns, some of which challenge us to our very core. Cynthia Griswold's memoir, Finding My Inspiration, is a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the courage it takes to transform life's challenges into stepping stones. In this compelling narrative, Griswold opens up about her struggles, triumphs, and the lessons she learned along the way, offering readers not just a story, but a guide to finding their own inspiration amidst adversity. Cynthia Griswold's story begins with a profound loss: the death of her mother at a young age. This event serves as the emotional cornerstone of the memoir, setting the stage for a tumultuous upbringing marked by emotional turbulence and hardship. Griswold writes with raw honesty about the pain of losing her mother, a loss that shaped her early years and cast a long shadow over her life. Yet, rather than being consumed by grief, she channels her pain into a journey of self-discovery...

Angry Junglee Boss This was hilarious read with interesting topic and funny conversions. I must appreciate author for all those detailed imaginations of workplace, job profiles, different work as per those job roles and technology and machinery used for those work. This zootopia was great fun to read and live through those words. Fox and HB had kicked start their career in "We Feed Ya". The fun begins now. The introduction day was so amazing that I couldn't stop myself to strech one more chapter. Each chapter was a day. It's just two weeks with some twist at last, ofcourse I am not going to tell you that. The best part was different characters. They were so perfectly portrayed by author that I was having clear cut pictures of each one of them in my head. The last part made me laugh out loud like made.  Few may think I am exaggerating but that was my honest response. Which is why I am not even doing the regular review with details as I can't otherwise I...

Book: The Black Orphan Author: S.Hussain Zaidi Publisher: HarperCollins Blurb: Review: There are many unknown soldiers protecting us on the border. There are many police officers working hard to make us feel safe in our neighborhoods. There are, I don't know how many, unknown warriors fighting inside and outside our country to neutralize threats to the world, which ultimately affect us. They're never even mentioned as unsung heroes because that's their duty: to remain in the shadows while always protecting us. How many of you knew about the Indian intelligence involvement in finding and hunting Osama Bin Laden? I learned about it from this book. I guess that's the reason why the real unsung heroes are not even discussed by us. Because they have successfully completed their work in stealth mode. But the author was determined to give them a tribute and, more than that, an identity—even in fiction, if it can't be given in facts—at least to make ...

Landscapes of Wilderness Author: Narendra Publisher: HarperCollins  How do you think we would live without any gadgets, talks, and intentional overstimulation we engage in our lives for everything? No big houses with all stuff inside, from fancy clothes, bedsheets, curtains to electronic devices. A totally blank slate. In a pure natural environment without even talking unnecessarily. I don't think we can even imagine a single day like that. Why am I saying so? Because just in a two-day weekend when I get the privilege to sit quietly and rest, I plan to go outside and do some activities. I may just read somewhere, but still, sitting quietly and saying nothing is so difficult for the restless mind we possess that we would do anything but sit quietly. But in Abujhmad, it's totally opposite. They do nothing and never feel boredom like us. Once we enter the realm of nature, in reality, it happens. Mostly in the name of nature visit, we end up taking pics and ...

Book Name: iParent Author: Neha J Hiranandani  Publisher: Penguin  Buy from Here : Amazon   Review: We are all moving towards a massive digitized world where the average screen time of an individual is around 7 hours. However, for teens and youngsters, it may exceed 10 hours. This poses a significant challenge for parents who are raising children born into a world surrounded by screens. Even though they're trying hard, it's really difficult for parents to completely disconnect their children from the digital world. But people like Neha can be a blessing, a best friend who guides with her book iParent. With wit and humor, she covers many serious topics related to parenting in this digital age. For example, cyberbullying and over-parenting are chapters that I found particularly important for today's generation to understand if they want to guide their young ones effectively. We have to protect them but also allow them some exposure to technology, as otherwise, w...

Book Name: The Wealth Money Can't Buy Author: Robin Sharma Publisher:: Jaico Publishers Genre: Self-help  Pages: 386 Review: From the title alone, you might have guessed it correctly—it's about life beyond the money we all chase, and finding real happiness and peace. With 175 chapters in 386 pages excluding the introduction and all, I'll simply say this: just read it. I know it's direct and oversimplified, but that's how it is when you first glance at the words in the book. Now, let me take you deep into the amazing meaning hidden within those words. We work on impulse, and this book will give us the understanding to pause in life, rethink our decisions, change for the better, and live fully in every moment, happily. I know it sounds cliché, but that's the reality. It's all about implementing the thoughts, as when you do, you can see your life changing dramatically. I've read "Who Will Cry When You Die?" by Robin before...

Considering the author's track record with the book "Almanack of Naval Ravikant," which I have yet to read but have heard much about, I had high expectations for this one. And I must say, it surpassed my expectations. This book is a gold mine for those who love to ponder, especially about the future. It delves deep into how deeply the technologies discussed by Balaji will impact our lives. The language isn't overly technical, which might lead some to dismiss it as another piece of tech talk. However, we can't ignore the automation and digital revolution we're undergoing. If we deny that we're in the early stages of the next big revolution, we're deceiving ourselves. Topics like AI with robotics and blockchain with its countless potential applications across industries will leave you amazed if you have the patience to read and research (not everything is covered in this book, sorry). However, you'll gain the mindset and insights about th...

Name: Sunflowers Incredible Journey of Epic Women Artists from India Author: Sujata Parashar Publishers: Atlantic  Pages: 170 Review: This intriguing book discusses amazing women artists whom we may not know but who have been recognized and praised in their respective fields. The story not only unfolds their skills and achievements through success stories but also delves into the journey that led them to this destination. Rather than just focusing on typical success stories with heroic journeys, the narration in the book focuses on the more human aspects of these artists, delving deep into their lives to help us understand their mindset, thinking, and emotions in different phases of life that led to their success. Starting with a picture of the artist, each chapter presents different perspectives, including those of their family and friends, providing a closer look at art, the artist, and their lives from various angles—highlighting how an artist's life differs from tha...

Book Title: "If I Have To Be A Soldier" Publisher: HarperCollins Get your Copy Review: Transporting readers back to the tumultuous landscape of Mizoram in the 1960s, "If I Have To Be A Soldier" serves as a compelling window into a chapter of history often overlooked. Through its unprejudiced lens and meticulous attention to detail, the narrative unravels the intricate tapestry of Mizoram's past, offering a nuanced exploration of its people, culture, and societal dynamics. At the heart of the story lie two protagonists, Sammy and Chi, whose friendship is tested amidst the backdrop of political upheaval. As they find themselves on opposing sides of a conflict fueled by colonial legacies and ethnic tensions, their journey unfolds against the backdrop of Mizoram's verdant landscape and its vibrant community. The cover art, with its evocative imagery and symbolic resonance, sets the stage for the narrative's rich tapestry. Through the eyes of Samm...

Today I'm buzzing with excitement to share my thoughts on the rollercoaster thriller that is "Blood & Bombay Black" by L.A. Nolan. Trust me; this book is like strapping yourself onto a speeding motorcycle and zooming through the world of motorcycle clubs, brotherhood, and betrayal. So, here's the lowdown on the book: Our hero, Alex Crossman, is making a comeback in this adrenaline-packed sequel. If you've read "Blood & Brown Sugar," you'll remember the Iron Horses and the mess they stirred up. Well, buckle up because things are about to get crazier! Sandeep Bohla, fueled by a serious grudge against the Iron Horses, is out for revenge after they slipped through the NCB's fingers in the last book. This guy means business, and he's not waiting for anyone's approval. Under crazy pressure from his higher-ups, he goes all rogue with a plan to crush the Iron Horses' drug trade in India once and for all. Talk about high st...

Book Name: The way we were Author: Prajwal Hegde Publisher: Hachette India  Buy Now Blurb:  Bitter rivals. Reluctant colleagues. Tormented ex-lovers. Myra Rai is living her best life. At twenty-eight, she is a prominent journalist at the precipice of dreamy success and her dating life is the envy of the town. After all, jealous heads stir to probe her almost engagement to Ravi Rao, the gentleman heir to a roaring political legacy! Myra is well on her course. Until comes knocking the broad-shouldered, chiselled-face ghost from her past... Andrew Brown is a headstrong political activist, unexpectedly back in the city after a winning stint in the US. Set to take over as the executive editor of Morning Herald, he is determined to revisit his past and reconnect with that one feisty journalist at work who hates his guts, hates that he is back, and hates that he never called... Both Myra and Andrew have lost a lot over the years, including each other. But in the fierce r...

This book can be summed up in one powerful word – Reflect. It beautifully emphasizes the importance and strength that comes from reflecting on life. Despite delving into numerous self-help works, we often overlook the simple act of reflecting, being present, and finding balance in every aspect of our lives. In the absence of a life manual, genuine and intelligent seekers who observe and share their experiences become valuable guides. The author's gratitude extends to those who share their wisdom, providing readers with insights that contribute to a fulfilled life without future regrets. A shoutout to my friend Mohini for introducing me to this extraordinary book. From her initial recommendation, I sensed it would be a great read, but I never expected such an extraordinary blend of joy, excitement, fulfillment, and peace. Unlike conventional self-help books filled with tips and guidance on achieving success or enlightenment, this book stands out. It pours out the author...

Born officially in 2000, Chhattisgarh is one of those states that we know exists but about which we actually know very little. Whether composed of 36 forts, giving it the name Chhattisgarh, or being the Empire of Chedi, i.e., 'Chedisgarh,' which later became Chhattisgarh, it remains one of the lesser-known and overlooked states in Bharat. The suspense arising from this ignorance created fascination and excitement in me to learn more about it. I was fortunate to come across this book, which provides comprehensive knowledge about all important aspects and matters regarding Chhattisgarh, from its distant past to the present. The author delves into the issue of Naxalism, conducting on-the-ground research and analysis in Chandigarh to uncover the real reasons behind it. The author also raises significant questions about the handling of intelligence on explosives possessed by the Naxalites, putting soldiers' lives at risk by not making appropriate decisions and addres...

This Book is definitely 'Spreading Joy' in the hearts of the reader with its amazing story. The storytelling approach is fantastic, resembling a hub of tiny stories, each with its unique emotional flavor and insightful lessons. The historical and geographical context adds depth to the book, enhancing its interest and engagement. For instance, I was unaware that before Surat in Gujarat became the diamond capital of Bharat, Thrissur in Kerala played a crucial role in cutting and polishing diamonds. Its decline resulted from unionism triggered by the Community Government, which assumed power in 1957 after the leftist movement of the 1940s. The author's journey, akin to a captivating movie plot but more fascinating as it's real, imparts valuable lessons about business, places, people, relationships, and navigating challenging situations. Insights about marketing, people management, market penetration, aligning business with strengths, and often-overlooked aspect...

The Author's storytelling prowess shines through in the profound ability to observe, understand, and vividly articulate human emotions. This unique skill transforms characters into palpable entities, allowing readers to visualize and connect with the emotional tapestry woven by the author. What sets this storyteller apart is the reflective depth applied after keen observation, a journey that can only be fueled by experiential wisdom rather than theoretical knowledge. It's a testament to the author's evolution and commitment to the craft, evident in the nuanced narration style that reflects maturity and a genuine passion for writing. Each scene unfolds with such vivid clarity that it effortlessly painted images in my mind, evoking a spectrum of emotions. The poignant tale of "Fountain Pen" brought tears to my eyes, while the subsequent story, "Anvar," skillfully portrayed the scene of sea at night with moonlight & wind, invoking a sense of...