Release Day Blitz: Metro Diaries 2 by Namrata

About the Book:

Give life another chance. Laugh a little longer. let go of your past. Hold onto what you love. In short LIVE rather than just exist!

Some told, some untold, some heard and some unheard - this collection of stories will make you look at life in a different light and make you ponder over its definition of it till now.

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Reviews for Metro Diaries 1:

After touching your hearts with 'Metro Diaries - Love Classics' she is back now with stories that will redefine life for you!

The stories in Metro Diaries - Love Classics are free from any trappings of youthful slang and fashionable language stunts. These young adults are speaking to the readers with Namrata’s maturity shining through, and Namrata’s ideas of love. - Sakshi Nanda 

The language is fairly pleasant to read and the elaborate discussions between characters in each story must have taken a lot of work – because the most difficult job of all authors is to bring out human emotions in proper words. Thankfully, Namrata has concentrated upon it very well! - Dhivya Balaji

About the Author:

Namrata is A Lost Wanderer who loves travelling the length and breadth of the world. A published author in various anthologies and magazines she enjoys capturing the magic of life in her words. She is forever in pursuit of a new country and a new story.

Contact the Author:

Website * Facebook * Twitter

Book Review: Principally Yours by Bubloo Sen

Title: Principally Yours

Author: Bubloo Sen

Pages: 155

Publisher: Authors Upfront

Review

‘Principally Yours’ is a piece of nonfiction narrated by Bubloo Sen about her experience of teaching and moulding many lives to bring about positive changes in the society around her. Revolution can come from any sphere and in any size. What matters is the intention behind it and the result. This book is one such story of a mini revolution brought about in the lives of the economically challenged Jewish and Muslim students of an underprivileged school in Bombay during the 70s who were living a miserable life in squalor and poverty. It wasn’t an easy task given the odds, but Bubloo Sen, despite her petite frame and genteel ways, had a steely resolve and a charismatic disposition. She took under her wings her students enveloping them in the bonds of love and harmony all the while instilling in them pride and a firm belief that unstinting effort and commitment is all that is needed to re-write one’s script in life.    

Reading it reminded me of another book I had read long ago, ‘To Sir, With Love.’ It was one of the most remarkable and impacting books I read as a student. I found ‘Principally Yours’ equally motivating especially now that I’m a teacher myself.

The issues covered in this book are real to date and poignantly relevant. Mrs. Sen has written an autobiography so sumptuous with its many life teachings – making the book really one of those that is bound to change your outlook towards life. The book’s life lessons are many; the most profound being – respect begets respect. Against all odds Mrs. Sen taught her charges to expect the very best from life so that even in depravity they could hold their head high and walk down the aisle of life with dignity. This book teaches us that even those who seem most undeserving of anything deserve to be given a chance and be treated with respect.

The incidents narrated in the book took place in the 70s and we readily get a glimpse of that era. Through her writing Mrs. Sen really paints the picture of what the school she was teaching at like and about the students. I was immediately grabbed in and brought along for the ride. The writing style is a no-frill affair and hence easy to read and enjoy. The narrative structure is less academic and more like a story. The cover is a beautifully rendered watercolour composition that has its own charm. What you’re holding in your hands is Mrs. Sen’s thirty five years of faith and hope sandwiched within the pages. Hers is an exemplary life from which each of us can pick a leaf and follow suit.
For me it was an excellent read and I would highly recommend it to all.

Book Links

http://www.amazon.in/Principally-Yours-Bubloo-Sen/dp/9384439649/

http://www.flipkart.com/principally-yours-english/p/itmedhmqcahgdyhn?pid=9789384439644

About the Author

At thirty five, she epitomized the quintessential good wife and good mother. She had it all. A loving husband, three adorable children. Yet, she didn’t quite feel happy. 

It was a bunch of children from an underprivileged background living in one of the toughest areas in Bombay – Nagpada – that helped her find herself and a purpose so deep that it changed not just her life, but those of generations. 

She became the good teacher. 

Years dedicated to the altar of knowledge at SJSHS. Thirty five years of encouraging faith and hope amongst her young students who lived in squalor and poverty. A Hindu Principal teaching economically challenged Jewish and Muslim students. Enveloping them in the bonds of love and harmony. Instilling pride and a firm belief that unstinting effort and commitment is all that is needed to re-write one’s script in life. Not an easy task given the odds, but Bubloo Sen, despite her petite frame and genteel ways, had a steely resolve and a charismatic disposition. In her dictionary every No needed to be met with a resounding Yes.

Today at eighty two she exhibits the same resilience and joie de vivre. Her love for life is contagious. A renowned educationist, foodie, fashionista and now a serial author and actress! Life for her has to be king-size. A woman who greets every morning with surprise, wonder and a childlike innocence. A woman who believes that every day is a gift she needs to share with the world.

A woman of substance. Bubloo Sen.

https://www.facebook.com/bubloo.sen

https://www.facebook.com/principallyyours/ 

I'd like to thank author Bubloo Sen for letting me review her book. I do hope you end up liking the book when you read it. Thank you so much for stopping by, and happy reading!

This Review is a part of the Blogger Outreach Program by Read Out Loud in association with b00k r3vi3w Tours

*The review was first published on http://thetalespensieve.com/

Book Review : Pixel Thoughts by Hussain Haideri

Title: Pixel Thoughts

Author: Hussain Haideri

Pages: 178

Price: 249.00 INR

Publisher: White Falcon Self Publishing Platform

About the book

The virtual world we live in has given us the freedom and power to express everything without saying anything. The status messages we write on chat messengers and facebook are the manifestations of our inner voice which was waiting for all this time to be heard. Over the years based on numerous experiences, I have composed some of those messages and penned them down in this book. They are honest, blunt and straight from the heart. It's an attempt to bring them into existence in the physical world too.

Review

Hussain Haideri’s ‘Pixel Thoughts’ is a compilation of quotes based on his random observation of life.  Unlike other quote books that seem to recycle the same old boring flat quotes, this one features the author’s own words and ideas, which according to me is quite fresh. It is a quick breezy read and I finished it in a day even with so much going on. The idea behind the book is that it is something one can just pick up and put down quickly.  I found some of the quotes very sincere and relatable. The author’s take on life is quite noteworthy. He clearly sees life in a way most of us don’t. It has a total of 165 quotes, each with a hash tag to explain the context. 

Of course not all the quotes are good. Some are average and some just words. But those that inspire outweigh those that don’t. A few of the quotes remained with me well after the book had been closed. I think this is what Haideri intended; to be remembered through his words and he has done quite well I must say. I am glad I chose to read it. 

About the author

Hussain Haideri is a computer engineer from Pune, an entrepreneur, thinker, dreamer and an optimist. He works at Softronikx Technologies, a company he founded with his school friends.

He is passionate about creating wealth, strong believer in following his dreams, loves to make things happen and take paths which are calling to his heart.

He is spiritual and believes in the unseen divine forces of the universe which are all around us, to help us discover our cosmic journeys and define our purpose of existence.

Buy links

Amazon 

http://www.amazon.in/dp/194385114X  

Flipkart 

http://www.flipkart.com/pixel-thoughts-english/p/itmeaz76spthyeag?pid=9781943851140

I'd like to thank author Hussain Haideri for letting me review his book. I do hope you end up liking the book when you read it. Thank you so much for stopping by, and happy reading! 

Book Review - When I Fell In Love With Life by Geetha Paniker

Title: When I Fell In Love With Life
Author: Geetha Paniker
Pages: 234
Publisher: Partridge Publishers

About the book

An anthology of writings from a cancer survivor whose therapeutic writing will guide, inspire, and heal your soul. She lays bare all the aspects of private suffering yet points out how she overcame each challenge with grit, determination, and a healthy dose of childish delight and wonder. Profound thoughts narrated in a simple language. Her words and wonderful ability to blend with her surroundings yet stand out by absorbing the essence of it all; will challenge you to look at life through a rebel's twinkling eye. Journey with this nature-loving, soul-searching, deep-thinking powerhouse. See what it feels like to touch rock bottom and build a solid foundation for a life made on her terms. A truthful story that continues to redefine the norm and gives you a glimpse into the life of a true survivor.

Review

What does it mean to survive a life-threatening illness? Well, I’d like to quote one of my favourite singers, Kelly Clarkson, “what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.” It is what Geetha Paniker, the author of ‘When I Fell in Love with Life’ feels too. At least that is what I gathered after reading her inspiring novel. Cancer is nothing one can get through without learning a valuable life lesson. Her story eloquently demonstrates how seemingly insurmountable adversity can bring forth surprising courage and strength to those who have faced the most difficult situation in their life. This book also tells that when things go wrong courage, grit and determination matter a lot since success does not come from quitting but from the simple belief that you can get through anything if your mind is set.

Geetha Paniker has a very candid style about her writing that urges one to read on. The way she has written her experience is superbly complementary for she hasn’t just given the ugly side of her illness; rather she has romanticized the disease itself so much so that it doesn’t terrify to turn the pages. She calls her illness an "Emperor of Maladies" and at certain times mentions it as a creeping crab. There is no false sentimentality, there's no Pollyanna, no posing. Through her narration one gets to see beyond the emotional fall-out of confronting cancer. The book contains several inspiring quotes and optimism blended with a lot of positivity. Her poems also need special mention for they are profound. There is a powerful cumulative impact on the reader that lingers.

This is a fine book. I'm sure it will have special meaning for both cancer survivors and cancer victims alike. But just as importantly, for many of us who are neither of these, it also helps us better understand ourselves.

About the author

Geetha Paniker is a retired primary school teacher. She has a unique ability to find beauty around when pain rains on her and it is this pain that keeps her grounded and humane. She is a teacher at heart, but God and nature are her teachers, and she draws lessons from everything around—from the mist on the mountaintop to the dewdrop on a blade of grass. She hails from Anthikad, a village in Trichur, and lives in Chennai.

Buy Links

http://www.adlibris.com/fi/kirja/when-i-fell-in-love-with-life-9781482851564

http://www.amazon.in/When-Fell-Love-Life-Survivor/dp/1482851563/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1443279627&sr=8-1&keywords=When+I+fell+in+love+with+life

http://jansona.hol.es/when-i-fell-in-love-with-life-musings-of-a-cancer-survivor
http://www.booktopia.com.au/when-i-fell-in-love-with-life-geetha-paniker/prod9781482851564.html

I'd like to thank author Geetha Paniker for letting me review her book. I do hope you end up liking the book when you read it. Thank you so much for stopping by, and happy reading! 

 

Book Review - Play Infinity by Sondra Faye

                                                                  Title: Play Infinity

Author: Sondra Faye
Pages: 70
Publisher: Winston-Derek

About the book

Sondra Faye was addicted to poetry at an early age. “Play infinity” was first published by a small press; when she was living on Waverly Place in the West Village in New York City. A couple years after publication, it was performed at the 13th Street Theatre in New York City with a few actors and Merce Cunningham Dancers and music composed by Sondra Faye.

Some poems are written about her life in both Boston, Massachusetts and Manhattan. When she lived with her schnauzer Velvet on Hemenway Street in Boston; she attended Northeastern University and worked at a bakery in Faneuil Hall Marketplace. After a year in Boston, she decided to go to New York University, and completed play infinity while there.
A multi-media artist she considers herself simply as a human being that likes to create stuff. Her intention for anyone reading this book is that they will stay inspired & play infinity. 

Review

Sondra Faye’s ‘Play Infinity’ is not just a collection of poems to be read and forgotten; her words, so simple yet profound, are to be read, cherished and re-read. Her style is a blend of candor, compassion, bravado and truth. Her approach to life is sharp and incisive. I felt her poetry peers into the deep hollows of being human and illuminates our darkest predicaments.  Some of my personal favourites are play infinity fifty-four, play infinity fifty-one, play infinity thirty-nine, play infinity thirty to name a few.

Faye’s poems are open to interpretation. Her poetry outlines a sustained meditation on all walks of life, be it the sublime or something that is inconsequential. She speaks of heartbreaks that are relatable and therein lays the poet’s credibility. She has numbered her poems instead of coming up with individual titles. It is a good thing. Much like life, abrupt and spontaneous. It also justifies the title of her collection: play infinity. But not all that she writes is good. Some poems do not make sense even when read over and over. A few do not qualify as poetry for they are just one-liners. I think we can overlook that and enjoy the rest. All in all a good read.

About the Author

American Multi-Media Artist Sondra Faye was born in Kansas City, Missouri. Her family moved to New Jersey while she was in kindergarten and at that time she began studying classical piano plus theory and composition for the next 7 years.
In high school, at the age of 17, Sondra wrote for the newspaper, The Daily Record, as a stringer reporter. She was Editor for NJ Singles Magazine while completing her B.A. at The New School in New York City. Sondra worked as a photographer and music journalist for Asbury Park Press, and photographed for numerous print magazines. She is the founder of rockazine ™, home of commando journalism.
"Play infinity" was first published by a small press; when she was living on Waverly Place in the West Village in New York City. A couple years after publication, it was performed at the 13th Street Theatre in New York City with a few actors and Merce Cunningham Dancers and music composed by Sondra Faye. Some poems are written about her life in both Boston, Massachusetts and Manhattan.
Her artwork and oil paintings are in private collections. She currently directs independent films and is a mother. Find her at—

Twitter.com :      @SondraFaye

Facebook.com:    Facebook.com/SondraFayeStuff

Buy links

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/play-infinity-sondra-faye/1008119635

http://www.amazon.com/play-infinity-Sondra-Faye/dp/0692517944

http://www.amazon.com/play-infinity-Sondra-Faye-ebook/dp/B014MNMYZY

I'd like to thank author Sondra Faye for letting me review her book. I do hope you end up liking the book when you read it. Thank you so much for stopping by, and happy reading! 

SpotLight - Geetha Paniker, Author of When I fell In Love With Life

                                            About the book

Title: When I Fell in Love with Life

Author: Geetha Paniker

Pages: 234

Publisher: Partridge Publishers

Geetha Paniker pens her thoughts during her battle against cancer. ‘When I Fell in Love with Life’ seeks to inspire readers who are struggling with life’s difficult tests. Author Geetha Paniker’s experience with cancer compelled her to pen down her thoughts, seeking to aid those who are facing a similar battle. “When I Fell in Love with Life,” published by Partridge Publishers is an anthology of writings from a cancer survivor whose therapeutic writings aim to guide, inspire and heal one’s soul.

In this book, Paniker lays bare all the aspects of private suffering yet points out how she overcame each challenge with grit, determination and a healthy dose of childish delight and wonder. Profound thoughts are narrated in a simple language. Her words and wonderful ability to blend with her surroundings, yet stand out by absorbing the essence of it all, will challenge readers to look at life through a rebel’s twinkling eye. Readers will journey with this nature-loving, soul-searching, deep-thinking powerhouse and see what it feels like to touch rock bottom and build a solid foundation for a life made on her terms.

This is a truthful story that continues to redefine the norm and gives readers a glimpse into the life of a true survivor.

Uplifting, powerful and heartfelt, “When I Fell in Love with Life” is a collection of musings from a survivor striving to stir the hearts and minds of readers as they embark on an inspiring journey bound to touch their soul.

                                        About the author

Geetha Paniker is a retired primary school teacher. She has a unique ability to find beauty around when pain rains on her and it is this pain that keeps her grounded and humane. She is a teacher at heart, but God and nature are her teachers, and she draws lessons from everything around—from the mist on the mountaintop to the dewdrop on a blade of grass. She hails from Anthikad, a village in Trichur, and lives in Chennai.

                                        Book links

http://www.adlibris.com/fi/kirja/when-i-fell-in-love-with-life-9781482851564

http://www.amazon.in/When-Fell-Love-Life-Survivor/dp/1482851563/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1443279627&sr=8-1&keywords=When+I+fell+in+love+with+life

http://jansona.hol.es/when-i-fell-in-love-with-life-musings-of-a-cancer-survivor
http://www.booktopia.com.au/when-i-fell-in-love-with-life-geetha-paniker/prod9781482851564.html

Amazon

Barnes & Noble 

Author Interview - Louis Alan Swartz, Author of Constructed of Magic and Other Poems on the Immortality of the Human Spirit

                                        About the book

What would life be like if you knew you were an immortal spiritual being? "It is my viewpoint that each man has his own unique magnificence regardless of race, religion, nation, tribe, station in life, customs and beliefs...," so writes poet, Louis Alan Swartz. Constructed of Magic and Other Poems on the Immortality of the Human Spirit is a refreshing collection of poems that explore the beauty of who we are as spiritual beings. Our ability to love, dream, create futures, even die with dignity are all part of who we are and why we are here. These poems don't pretend to give final answers to any of the big questions about life, but they do help us to look and come to our own understanding.

                          Interview with Louis

What motivates you to write and where does your inspiration come from?

I believe that each individual person is endowed with a unique, personal magnificence. My purpose is to use the medium of writing and its aesthetic to draw out that magnificence.

Your book is called Constructed of Magic and other Poems on the Immortality of the Human Spirit. Do you really believe that an individual human being is, in truth, an immortal spiritual being?

Yes!

What are your current/future projects?

I am working with a superb artist to create an illustrated book from one of my poems. I am well into a second volume of Constructed of Magic.

What opportunities have being an author presented you with? Share those memories.

Every time I get a communication from someone whom I do not know that they were emotionally moved by my writing, It blows my mind! I never tire of it. I am elated and humbled by it. One lady wrote that my poetry was making her "ridiculously happy". My feet didn't touch the ground for the rest of the day. Another person said that reading the poems had awakened a pride in the divine within her. She resolved to live a better life and not to waste the time she had here on earth. This meant a great deal to me.

How do you think you have evolved as a person/author because of your writing and do you believe your writing has helped others, how/why?

My reason for being alive is to help people. I believe I have helped others with my writing. I have gotten a lot of communication from people have been helped. Two folks were helped through the deaths of loved ones by the book. One woman, who had just gone though a painful divorce, wrote to me that the book had helped her to carry on. Several people told me of happiness they had experienced in reading the book. Each single person helped matters to me.

If you had the chance to get one message out there to reach readers all over the world, what would that message be?

That they are immortal spiritual beings possessed of a unique magnificence. That they are kind and compassionate by nature. That they have abilities far in excess of anything they have ever imagined.

What are the most important elements of good writing?

Writing is communication. Communication includes ensuring that one is understood. It is my viewpoint the most valuable tools for a writer are his ability to perceive his reader and to write in such a way as to reach that reader.

What is your most/least favorite part of the writing process? Why?

My favorite part is the first infusion of a poem. It might be a line will come to mind or I may see something that touches me. Sometimes, it may be something I have been looking at for a long time that somehow suddenly falls into place. Getting this first spark down on paper and usually immediately developing this into a poem is my favorite part of the writing process. I am also very happy with the editing process. I like all the marvelous things you can do with a good editor to make a more perfect book. I love my editor.

What is the best piece of advice you would give to someone that wants to get into writing?

Believe in yourself. Believe in your own value and the value of your ideas, thoughts, and creations. If you don't like what you are creating then study, read, look, listen and keep on writing and writing and writing more and more. Write tens of thousands of words. You will find your writing will forge into a unique voice that is yours and worth hearing. Never take the viewpoint that it has all been said before. It hasn't. Your unique beauty needs to be heard from.

Is there anything else you'd like to share with your readers?

I have a profound respect for my readers, for their intelligence, their ability to perceive and to feel, their capacity to understand. I want the readers to know I think they are wonderful. It is my intention to help them realize the highest level of their personal ability. I wish them a life filled with beauty, accomplishment and joy.

                                        About the author

Louis Alan Swartz has dedicated his life to helping others find their ability as immortal spiritual beings. He has traveled extensively in Africa, India, Europe, and the Middle East. He lives in Los Angeles with Connie, his wife of twenty-eight years.