Book Blitz: 3 Peaks of Happiness by AiR

Book Info:

Publisher: AiR Foundation

ISBN: 9789352814466

Genre: Non-Fiction / Self Help

Format: Paperback

Pages: 167

Price: 200/-

Book Blurb:

The whole world is seeking happiness. Who doesn't want to be happy? But is everyone happy? Discover the most fulfilling journey to bliss and ultimate everlasting happiness.

There are three peaks of happiness. Most of humanity lives and dies on the first peak, being glad and being sad, experiencing joy and sorrow like a yo-yo.

Twenty percent of humanity is fortunate to live a life of contentment on the Second Peak of Happiness that offers tremendous joy and peace.

A small fraction of humanity goes on a quest for the third peak. The Third Peak not only gives one eternal bliss, everlasting joy, and peace, but also gives one freedom from problems, worries, and pain!

This book is a personal experience of such a traveler who climbed all the three peaks. He shares his journey and shows you the way to the Third and Ultimate Peak of Happiness.

“You can be as happy as you want to be. True Happiness, Ultimate Bliss lies beyond a pursuit of Pleasure and Peace. It is experienced by those who Discover the Purpose of Life!”

Read an Excerpt:

Chapter 1

Happiness is a Journey

The whole world is seeking happiness. In fact, it seems like we are all on an eternal journey to destination happiness. Yes, happiness is a journey, but not many people know that it is the path itself. You cannot get happiness, but you can be happy. While there is no one on earth who doesn’t seek this treasure, there are only a few who truly understand what happiness is.

“Do you know that you can choose to be happy or unhappy? Happiness doesn’t just happen; it is a choice you make”  -RVM

What is Happiness?

  Happiness is a state of mind. It’s a state of joy, bliss and cheer. It is an emotion- energy in motion- that makes one glad, just as unhappiness is an emotion, that makes one sad. A happy person is joyous and he smiles and laughs just as unhappy person frowns and cries. We feel happy and it shows. Happiness radiates through cheerfulness and enthusiasm. Although happiness may be a common word, it is often quite tricky to define or explain “Happiness”.

Everyone wants to be happy

Who doesn’t want to be happy? Everybody on earth wants happiness, whether one is a baby or an adult, be it man or a woman, Indian or American, black or white, or rich or poor, who doesn’t want to be happy? Everybody alive on this planet seeks happiness. Not just human being, it seems even animals wants to be happy. We see that dogs wag its tail in joy, birds fly in the sky, fish swirl in the water, and the peacock open their wings to dance in bliss. Don’t you think they all seek happiness too? Everybody wants to be happy.

If you were to ask different people around the globe, what they are seeking, you would get different answers from each one. But if you further ask them, why they are seeking it, you would get a common answer from all- “Happiness”. The goal of life is happiness. Everyone wants to be happy, and people do different things to achieve this one objective. To a businessman, a successful business brings happiness. To artists, it may be a creative product that is born out of their imagination. A student may be happy with excellence in exams, just as a politicians is blissful on winning an election. We all do different things, but whatever we do, the goal is one: We all want to be happy!

“If you have not learnt anything, but have learnt one thing that the goal of life is to be happy, you have learnt everything!” - RVM 

About the Author:

AiR – Atman in Ravi, or the Soul in Ravi, is an embodied soul whose only mission in life is to realize the Truth and help people realize the Truth. 

He was born on October 15, 1966 in Bangalore, as Ravi V. Melwani. At a very young age, he mastered the craft of business and became a very successful businessman who revolutionized retailing in India with the stores Kids Kemp, Big Kids Kemp, and Kemp Fort. After making millions, he realized that life is not just about making money. He shut down his business at the age of 40, transformed his life to RVM living by the RVM philosophy – Rejoice, Value Life, and Make a Difference. He started doing H.I.S. work – Humanitarian, Inspirational and Spiritual work. His mission was to “Make a Difference” in this world before his journey was over.

Book Review: The Double X Factor by Pratap Nair

Title: The Couble X Factor

Author: Pratap Nair

Publisher: Jaico Publishing House

About the Book

99 stories of incredible women from India.

Featuring Zia Mody, Chanda Kochhar, Mary Kom, Neerja Bhanot, Anita Dongre and others

99 daughters of India who dared to be different

From Rani Lakshmibai and Indira Gandhi to Chanda Kocchar and Mary Kom, The Double-X Factor explores the lives and times of 99 exceptional achievers who challenged the gender barrier and rose to fame. 

Indian history is replete with instances of women’s valour, fortitude, courage, self-sacrifice and leadership in times of crisis. Some of them have turned into folklore and many of them have been immortalized in movies. Most of all, these women have left a great and indelible impact on several generations. Be it politics, arts, entertainment, sports or business, they carved a niche in every sphere that was once considered a male domain. Today, they have become role models to a nation of 1.34 billion, of which almost half is female. 

Review

For millions of years the fairer sex has been considered the weaker sex. However, defying all the odds, women have left a great and indelible impact on several generations with their act and benevolence. Be it politics, arts, entertainment, sports or business, they have carved a niche in every sphere that was once considered a male domain. Sometimes they have been hailed for their courage while other times they have been spurned for the same. But they have endured and held fast to their strength. And today, they have become role models to a nation of 1.34 billion, of which almost half is female. 

This small but ambitious book profiles 99 such Indian women who stood the test of time and dared to make a difference. The volume offers a definitive, indispensable sampling of women in top form throughout the ages who challenged the gender barrier and rose to fame. Each of the woman hails from a different background but what they have in common is a mission to penetrate the fog of uncertainty to discover a successful path. For them it all began with a dream that just won’t quit.

Most of the biographies concentrate on women who have persevered to do work that gives them satisfaction for reasons both personal and altruistic. Commendably, biographical information extends way back from Rani Lakshmibai to present day achievers like Mary Kom.

The profiles are engaging and readers will likely be inspired to investigate these fascinating women further. In an informative style, Nair highlights the lives and times of these feisty females. He aims to inspire his audience because inspiration can come from any place and at any time.

To all those looking for some much needed motivation, this is the book to pick up. Read and dare to do the different.

About the Author

Pratap Nair is the founder of FEI Cargo, a logistics company. Shailaja Nair Foundation – FEI’s CSR arm – was established to help women and children come up in life.

Buy Link

Amazon

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

* I received a review copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

** Picture courtesy: Amazon.in 

Book Review: My Journey With Vadapav by Venkatesh Iyer

Title: My Journey With Vadapav

Author: Venkatesh Iyer

Publisher: TV18 Broadcast Limited (CNBC TV18) 

Review:

Once in a while, you come across a personality who will make you wonder about the life you have lived — about everything you have learnt and done; and this thought process might trigger a self introspection of your being. Venkatesh Iyer is one such personality. ‘My Journey With Vadapav’ is his account of his life that specifically focuses on his rise as the ‘vadapav king’ of India.

To those who know what a vadapav is, your tongue would have a neat number done on it already with the mere mention of the word. To the uninitiated, suffice it to say that it is a slice of heaven served hot on a plate or sometimes just handed over unceremoniously without the associated fanfare. The presentation doesn’t matter because taste takes over all the other senses. It started out as a humble street food in several parts of India but is now regarded as one of the must-haves during the evening cravings. Easily accessible and similarly easy on the pocket, vadapav has carved for itself a niche in the food industry.

Venkatesh holds a similar view. This gets evident right from the onset and continues to do so with every page that you turn. There’s a frank openness in his voice. He confides in the reader all about his private life — every emotion, success, frustration, and humiliation associated with his ventures — very honestly and authentically. His earnestness in sharing what he thinks might be of use to the others comes across in every page. He admits to failures and shortcomings, evincing a passionate, come-what-may attitude toward life that precludes deep introspection and only concentrates on pursuing of one’s dreams.

There’s so much to glean from Venkatesh’s account of his journey. It’s an enjoyable ride through and through — a Tam-Bram boy made good, a regular neighborhood guy who rises to the top through sheer gumption and force of will. His is a success story that warranted a case study being taught all over the globe.

An easy yet exemplary read, I’d recommend it to all those who wish to achieve their dreams. Go grab a bite (pun intended). 

Buy Link:

Amazon I Flipkart I Book Adda I Infibeam I Sapna Online

About the Author:

Venkatesh Iyer is the Founder and CEO of Goli Vadapav, India’s largest national ethnic fast food chain.

From Finance to food, with over 15 years of experience in corporate finance and investment banking, Venkatesh Iyer has been instrumental in helping entrepreneurs translate ideas into story boards using his unique strength of critical thinking, imagination and communication.

One fine day, he decided to change his course and create what was then called a very creative food revolution! His ultimate dream has been of “corporatization” of the humble Vada Pav and to see Vada Pav as a brand amongst the pizzas and burgers of the world. He’s a visionary par excellence who sees things beyond the obvious and it is this attitude that made his dream turn into reality!

He has been invited as an inspirational speaker and delivered more than 250 talks on Goli Vadapav story in India and abroad at various large entrepreneurial summits and business schools like Harvard, IMD Switzerland, ISB Hyderabad, etc.

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

* I received a review copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review: 18 Via Teen by Shreyasi Rhittika Phukon

Title: 18 Via Teen

Author: Shreyasi Rhittika Phukon

Publisher: Dream House Publications

Review:

Shreyasi Rhittika Phukon has devotedly captured the nuances of life among teenagers in eighteen of her stories compiled under the title ‘18 via teen.’ Apprehension, dilemma, aspiration and hope are major themes. Few of the stories even talk of foundation for self-esteem and refusal to be defined by stigma. She has aptly avoided cute-speak, all the while conveying genuine feeling and the deeper complexity and contradictions of life as it is lived. Her observations approach a certain kind of profundity.

Starting each story with a meaningful quote is a time tested way of catching the reader’s attention. Phukon has done justice to this practice. The sentiment behind each story is quite similar: be yourself. In the writer’s own words, the stories she has penned down enumerate the various phases of a teen and the hopes, aspirations, apprehensions, ambiguity, insecurity, dilemma, restlessness and sensitiveness, associated with each phase. Each story vividly depicts the psychological aspects of a teenage girl/boy and how the intuition helps her/his to overcome the hurdles one after another, which in teen makes her/his matured. 

There are some minor hiccups though. The cover of the book does nothing to attract potential readers. Secondly, the editing could have been better. But I won’t hold these against the author as it is her debut. We learn from our mistakes. I’m sure she’ll do the same.

I’d like to end the review with a positive note. The readers will find some good motivation from the stories if they are willing to get out the sieve.

Author Bio:

Shreyasi Rhittika Phukon lives in Jorhat, Assam. She holds a bachelor’s degree. She has contributed her writings in few anthologies and magazines. Also initiated an anthology “A Phase Unknown Women- A Tribute” and the book has been awarded the “Best Anthology Award 2014”. She is also the winner of “Aagaman Tejasvani Samman 2014” by Sanmati Publishers and distributors. She also works as M.D. for an e-magazine named Novelist Magazine. Currently she is pursuing her Masters from Guwahati University.

Contact:

facebook

Buy Link:

Amazon

I'd like to thank author 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! 

Blog Tour - Murder Of Crowes by Addison Kline

Title: Murder Of Crowes 

Author: Addison Kline 

When the life of a family dies, what happens to their secrets? Are the memories of their vitality stamped out by the darkness? Are their heirlooms and photographs stowed away, hidden from view? Can the flicker of a candle’s flame reveal the secrets of a bygone life? Or will the damp and the darkness squelch the truth forever? 

The Elkhart Bugle called it A Murder of Crowes. It was a clever play on words. A sinister spin on the traditional meaning of the phrase. A murder of crows - three crows gathered in unison. The trio are seen as an omen, a threat. The three stand in judgment over their peers. Self-declared kings of paupers. But on November 22, 1967, one journalist cloaked the phrase in further darkness when Ellis Crowe and two of his adult sons, Warren and Jasper Crowe, were murdered just moments after they had finished their evening dinner. 

There were witnesses who had watched the ordeal play out and all evidence and accounts, all but one, led straight to Nathaniel Crowe. He was the youngest son of Ellis and Victoria Crowe. After his arrest, Crowe Towers was emptied of its residents for the first time since the grand estate was erected in 1754. It would not stay empty though. Like a sadistic case of whisper down the lane, the story changed. The truth was altered, shrouded by local lure, and those that believed the stories couldn’t deny the pull Crowe Towers had over them. They didn’t know that the truth was far worse than the tales that they believed. 

Now thirty-six years after Nathaniel Crowe was first sent to prison, the State of Pennsylvania is preparing him for his release. The citizens of Elkhart are on edge. Nathaniel himself is uneasy. All he has known for the last thirty-six years have been the walls of Pennington Prison. But when a triple homicide occurs on the very night he is released from prison, one can only ask, “Is history repeating itself?” Or is there a copycat aiming to make sure Nathaniel never tastes the sweet nectar of freedom again? 

Addison Kline is an award winning, best selling novelist who writes mystery,
psychological thrillers and romantic suspense novels. She lives in
Pennsylvania with her husband, their sons and two rambunctious dogs.
Addison has had a love affair with the written word since before she
entered school. Her grandmother taught her the glory of taking an
adventure in the pages of a book. When Addison isn’t writing, you can
find her reading, going for an adventure with her sons, or traveling
with her family.

Facebook Facebook Readers Group  Website

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 - Pupil's President Kalam

Title: Pupil's President Kalam
Editor: Satyam Roychowdhary
Pages: 315

Price 500.00 INR

Publisher: Bee Publishers

Blurb

The students’ diligent teacher, the nation’s gifted scientist, the humble ‘People’s President’ - an indefinable name he is. Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam. A man who dedicated his life and work to the betterment of a nation, and his time and energy to the billions of young minds he wished to ignite. He has left back dreams in everyone, and the undying inspiration to make those dreams come true.

A surfeit of contents has been interwoven to give this book a shape. To read through the pages will mean a journey through his life in entirety. Besides Kalam’s own speeches and quotes, it also contains literary tributes by scientists, academicians and students, the interviews of his family members, and a real-time anecdote of his interment ceremony at Rameswaram.

This isn’t just a tribute, but a world beyond it to be read, explored and discovered.

Review

Great personalities do not die; at least not in the actual sense. They live on in people’s memories and in their deeds. Such is the case with India’s beloved President Dr A.P.J Abdul Kalam. He dedicated his entire life for the betterment of the nation and continues to inspire thousands even in his absence just through his visions. His contribution to nuclear science earned him the nick name, ‘Missile Man of India’. He was part of several committees and headed many.

‘Pupil’s President Kalam,’ edited by Satyam Roychowdhary is a compilation of Kalam's own speeches and quotes; literary tributes by scientists, academicians and students; the interviews of his family members; and a real-time anecdote of his interment ceremony at Rameswaram. It is a richly detailed look at Kalam’s contributions and triumphs.

From being a newspaper delivery boy to a career scientist turned reluctant politician, Kalam’s life is an assortment of his dreams and fulfillment of the same. A deluge of information in the shape of this book provides a glimpse into the simple yet richly lived life of a man whom the world mourned at his demise. Written in simple language, the book is a storehouse of information and a must read for every Indian. Kalam saw a lot of promise in the young and the inexperienced. Reading this book would be like paying a small homage to his views and ideals.

‘Pupil’s President Kalam’ is an engrossing portrait that reveals Kalam’s unstoppable passion and remarkable achievements and is a kind of tribute to the great soul.

About the editor

Satyam Roychowdhury is a man of assorted interests. He is the co-founder and currently the Managing Director of Techno India Group the largest educational conglomerate in Eastern India. He is a prominent member and an active participant of the Art and Cultural milieu of Bengal. He has contributed to the society in multifaceted ways with his unstinted support and persistent patronage. He is one of the top educationalists of the country, but he is voracious reader by passion and a writer by ardour. He has an unquenchable thirst for knowledge, and he draws inspiration from great minds by imbibing their philosophies.

Roychowdhury is a tireless traveler on the path of creativity, and his journey has come a long way. His “For You” tribute series commenced with Tagore, got enriched with Swami Vivekananda and Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose after that, and the latest on has been a literary offering to Thakur Sri Ramakrishna. He owns many other titles to his credit, and his books have time and again inspired hundreds of young minds. He is a firm believer in hard work and sacrifice, and he thinks there is a spark in everyone to create a miracle.

Page link for Pupils' Kalam  

https://www.facebook.com/Pupils-President-829927923771857/timeline/

Kalam Book Link: 

http://www.flipkart.com/pupils-kalam-english/p/itmeauswv5t7jqam?pid=9789380925295&ref=L%3A-7021643360674823610&srno=p_2&query=satyam+roychowdhury&otracker=from-search