Review- Meeting Yama by Manoj V Jain

  BOOK SUMMARY:

From the moment we are born, we start our journey towards death. Some walk slowly, others run towards it, some skip and dance their way there, while others crawl.

In his seventh book, author Manoj Jain dwells on the uncomfortable topic of death. Interspersed with stories from Indian mythology, Meeting Yama is set in the mystical city of Varanasi where all answers are given if one is willing to listen.

Amrit, Rajat and Surya, three visitors meet each other in this city and find resolutions to the issues that they carry within them.

If you are reading this, then there is probably something in the book that is meant for you.

Release date: November 9th 2020

Published by: Notion Press

Page numbers: 236

REVIEW: 

I won a copy of Meeting Yama by Manoj V. Jain in a giveaway hosted by @writingbuddha. I had no expectations from the book; in fact, I wasn’t even planning on picking it up anytime soon, but something about the book pulled me and I gave in. It was while reading that I realised I had previously read the author’s The B.N.O and even though I recall very little about it, I remember that I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Speaking of Meeting Yama, it is the story of the spiritual journey of three different and relatable men, Amrit, Surya and Rajat, who find themselves in Varanasi, each there for a reason that even they aren’t aware of but each leaves with some much needed closure which was explained really well. The beautiful glimpses into the effervescent and pious city of Varanasi coupled with amazing and absorbing stories from Indian mythology and the fast-paced yet detailed glance into the lives of our three main characters made this book fascinating and delightful.

While spirituality and religion are quite complex, require immense understanding and contemplation, this book entwines the two in the world of fiction which makes it rather easy and simple to both read and understand. A few years ago, I would never have given a second glance to this book, but the interest I am developing in spirituality since the past few months made me want to explore it and this gave me a kick to delve deeper into it and embark on my spiritual journey.

Death has been a topic that somehow soothes me because of the immense reading I do on it, thanks to philosophy. This book takes it up in a simple manner that makes Meeting Yama a fantastic read. I would recommend this if you know little about spirituality and wish to explore- its a good start.

Review- Salem Falls by Jodi Picoult

Salem Falls on Goodreads

 BOOK SUMMARY:

Tall, blonde and handsome, Jack St. Bride was once a beloved teacher and football coach at a girls' school, until a student's crush sparked a powder-keg of accusation and robbed him of his career and reputation. Now after an eight-month jail sentence, Jack resolves to pick up the pieces of his life.

Release date: April 1st 2008

Published by: Hodder & Stoughton

Page numbers: 472

REVIEW: 

Before Salem Falls, I have only read Jodi Picoult's My Sister's Keeper. But that one book was enough for me to decide that I wanted to read more books from the part of my shelf dedicated to Jodi Picoult as I have an inexplicable obsession with collecting her books. I had my eye on Salem Falls as it had me extremely intrigued with its blurb so I thought I should pick it up next. And I am super glad I did because it's a book that gave me a major brain blotch which is something I had been waiting for... 

Salem Falls is the story of Jack St. Bride who is accused and convicted of sexually assaulting his student Catherine Marsh. Once he has served his time, he moves out to Salem Falls, a quiet town and stumbles into Do-Or-Diner, owned and managed by Addie Peabody. When Jack and Addie meet, they obviously have no idea what's in store for either of them but it is one incredible journey that I thoroughly loved reading about. Jack is once again accused of raping a teenage girl in Salem Falls and that's when the story picks up pace and turns into a series of events that are super interesting to read about. 

Jack and Addie aren't the only characters in this book. It's basically the entire town that gets involved in Jack's case and like always, Picoult manages to write some smashing characters who stay with you long after you've closed the book and who make you contemplate life in general. I don't know how she does it but the author weaves some magic that makes her books so mind blowing and touching. She knows her art super well and that's super admirable. 

Like My Sister's Keeper, Salem Falls also started on a slow note. I felt like I was reading the book forever. It was only once I crossed the 60% mark that I really got into it and I couldn't wait to find out how everything would turn out. Having said that, the first part of the book was packed with information and clues that help figure out some major information but it was just very difficult to get into. There were times when I felt like giving up or putting it on hold but I am so glad I didn't. It's like they say: Great stuff takes time. And it stands so true for this particular book. 

I would highly, highly recommend this book, whether you are a Jodi Picoult fan or not, this one is going to keep you hooked! 

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Review- Meant To Be Together by Faraaz Kazi

Meant To Be Together on Goodreads

 BOOK SUMMARY:

Preeti Thaker moves to Mumbai to run away from herself, to put behind a painful childhood, plagued adolescent years and the recent death of her only support system – her brother. She is on the verge of ending it all, succumbing to her depression, when the doorbell rings. Little does she know that answering it will change her life forever! The guy on the other end of the door will offer her solutions to all her problems, but in the process, she will end up losing the only thing she had never lost till date – her heart!
Inspired by the true story of an artist who found that love was the only color missing from the palette of her life, 'Meant to be Together' is a tale of love, friendship, courage, determination and above all, hope... hope that makes us look for the rainbow when it rains and for the stars when it is dark! 

Release date: December 1st 2018

Published by: Srishti Publishers 

Page numbers: 224

REVIEW: 

I have previously read and thoroughly enjoyed Faraaz Kazi's debut novel Truly, Madly, Deeply and his venture into horror, The Other Side. I did miss his anthology titled LOVE, but when I got to know about his latest, Meant To Be Together, I couldn't say no; not because it's by Faraaz, but because the story genuinely sounded wonderful and that's exactly how the book ended up being! 

Meant To Be Together is a story inspired by artist Preeti Thaker Arora whose rather interesting and as she herself rightly puts it- full of "love, friendship, loss, regret, hatred"- story is penned down by Faraaz in the way he does best- simple, straightforward and superb. There's something very intriguing about Faraaz's storytelling which makes you want to know more about the characters. That, coupled with his fabulous writing, make for a fantastic combination that doesn't disappoint. 

Preeti Thaker hasn't had the childhood she deserves, but she still manages to get through it all with the beautiful company of her brother. When she faces tragedy after tragedy in life, it seems like giving up is an easy option, until her neighbour Sameer walks into her life and changes it for good. Preeti and Sameer's relationship was beautifully portrayed in a teasing slow burn manner even though there was chemistry from the very beginning. That was definitely the highlight of the book. 

Like his previous books, I would highly recommend Meant To Be Together simply because it's a beautiful story that is also quite thought provoking. Not being a very long book, it would make for the perfect weekend read. 

*Note: A copy of this book was provided by Srishti Publishers in exchange for an honest review. We thank them.

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Review- Snakes in the Meadows by Ayaz Kohli

Snakes in the Meadows on Goodreads

 BOOK SUMMARY:

Jammu and Kashmir, 1987. In the hilly village of pathri Aali, where legends appear true, Aslam and ashwar, two young lovers, dream of marriage and of good things of life. But that is not to be. Unable to cope, Aslam leaves pathri Aali forever. Years later, as men migrate to Saudi Arabia for employment, pathri Aali is populated mostly by women and children. Soon they realize the mujahedeen, who guise themselves as their liberators, are the worst perpetrators, and misery seems inescapable. Ashwar refuses to be cowed down by this reign of terror and is determined not to let it devastate the once-peaceful village. The only one she can Bank on is aslam—and she calls out to him across the distance of time and space, to return and live up to the legends of their village. Snakes in the meadows is a saga of the onset of militancy, and the suffering and the resilience of pir panjal—the ‘and’ of Jammu and Kashmir. 

Release date: May 20th 2019

Published by: Rupa Publications India

Page numbers: 288

REVIEW: 

Because it is set in the troublesome and terrific Jammu and Kashmir, Snakes in the Meadows demanded to be read. Set in the village of Pathri Aali in Kashmir, this is Ayaz Kohli's debut which is the story of Ashwar and Aslam, two lovers separated by the condition and situation in their hometown. 

For his first novel, author Ayaz Kohli has done something tremendous by describing the raw and real stuff that happened and still continues to happen in villages that are forgotten. With no media coverage whatsoever, the people of Pathri Aali have to depend on themselves to save their Eden. The way the habitats come together and form an army of their own was extremely inspiring to read about. This book helps you understand how important your roots really are. 

Ayaz Kohli's writing is very easy to follow and clean. By that, I mean that it is as precise as it could get without meandering too much into unnecessary details. I did find that the book was slightly difficult to get into, but once the 60% mark was crossed, it got very engrossing and I found myself rooting for the people I had journeyed with in this book. 

There are many books set in Jammu and Kashmir that are available in the market, and each is unique in it's own way. But I would recommend Snakes in the Meadows because it really digs deep into history of forgotten places and makes you realise both the positive and negative extremes of humanity. There is always so much more to a person and a story than what meets the eye. And that is exactly why you should give this one a go.

*Note: A copy of this book was provided by Rupa Publications in exchange for an honest review. We thank them.

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Review- Mayurkhund by Sadiqa Peerbhoy

Mayurkhund on Goodreads 

Release date: February 15th 2019

Published by: Readomania

Page numbers: 288

REVIEW: 

I always enjoy reading author Sadiqa Peerbhoy's books. There's something very intriguing about her exquisite writing and her poignant storytelling. Very ethnic and spellbinding, her stories take me to a place in my home country but in a faraway time and place which is always exciting to visit. Her Marry Go Round was a fun and interesting story about arranged marriages set in Hyderabad, while my favourite of hers, House of Discord, was a story about family, politics and religion set in Mumbai. 

Mayurkhund, Sadiqa Peerbhoy's latest, is the devastatingly beautiful story of Zeenat who aspires to become a playback singer. Just when she thinks she's close to achieving her dreams, live starts throwing curve balls at her which makes her reconsider everything she had thought of for herself. By a series of events which are interesting to get to know but sad to understand, she finds herself in the Mayurkhund palace. Zeenat's daughter, Amari, grew up in Mayurkhund but eventually left the place due to her own fascinating series of events. She is haunted by the peacocks that Mayurkhund is famous for and when she visits Rajasthan for a work trip, she gets a call from the Queen to visit her childhood home. 

There is so much more to talk about the story but I would rather the reader discover how wonderfully it has been put down on his/ her own. The story alternates from Zeenat's life in the 1960s to Amari's in the late 1990s. The incidents that take place in both their lives are connected in some way or the other and add to the depth and beauty of the book. Sadiqa Peerbhoy's writing is, as always, incredibly easy to follow and yet so amazingly worded that even though it was confusing for me at first as who is who, it all fell into place quite soon and I found myself immersed in the story. 

The ending of the book left me with mixed feelings. I didn't laugh or smile and I didn't feel sad either. I just found myself relieved and at peace with the way everything turned out. That, for me, was a first. I don't quite remember feeling this way about any ending before, and that is one of the main reason I will remember this book for a long time. I would highly recommend this glorious read that is packed with rich history, tradition, family and the ethereal relation between parents and children.  

*Note: A copy of this book was provided by Readomania in exchange for an honest review. We thank them.

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Review- Exit West by Mohsin Hamid

Exit West on Goodreads

 BOOK SUMMARY:

In a country teetering on the brink of civil war, two young people meet—sensual, fiercely independent Nadia and gentle, restrained Saeed. They embark on a furtive love affair and are soon cloistered in a premature intimacy by the unrest roiling their city. When it explodes, turning familiar streets into a patchwork of checkpoints and bomb blasts, they begin to hear whispers about doors—doors that can whisk people far away, if perilously and for a price. As the violence escalates, Nadia and Saeed decide that they no longer have a choice. Leaving their homeland and their old lives behind, they find a door and step through. 

Exit West follows these characters as they emerge into an alien and uncertain future, struggling to hold on to each other, to their past, to the very sense of who they are. Profoundly intimate and powerfully inventive, it tells an unforgettable story of love, loyalty, and courage that is both completely of our time and for all time.

Release date: March 7th 2017

Published by: Riverhead

Page numbers: 231

REVIEW: 

How do I even begin writing this review? I remember I was completely floored by author Mohsin Hamid's writing when I read his The Reluctant Fundamentalist a few years ago. There was something very captivating about his writing and something very engaging about his storytelling that made me want to keep an eye on him as I was sure I wanted to read more by the author. So when I heard about Exit West, I did not even bother finding out what the book was about, but I got a copy for myself and began reading.

I was not prepared for the emotionally intense ride that was Exit West. In this book, Hamid begins with a very normal day in a very normal- albeit nameless- country, where two people, Saeed and Nadia, meet and keep meeting until the normalcy turns to crisis. With disaster striking their country and with the situation getting worse, they are compelled to move somewhere else through something called the "doors", which was the only fantastical- or as Hamid puts it "magical realism"- element in the book. This way, they keep moving through doors which take them from Greece to England to America.

While watching Hamid's interviews where he talks about Exit West, I noticed that what he insists on in each of them is that the book is not so much about how people move but more about what makes them move. And by move, he means leaving everything and everyone you know behind and just go somewhere hoping there is a better life there. Hence, the concept of these "doors" is not as important as compared to exactly why Saeed and Nadia take them.

What this book made me do is it made me understand the entire concept of refugees, immigration, migration and crisis that the world faces; which is something I was only vaguely aware of initially. I actually ended up doing heaps of research on this topic, and for me, that is a duty well done on the author's part because he created awareness and made me, as a reader, want to know more about the condition and situation that we are in right now. If could say one word to Hamid, it would probably just be a small but very true thank you that would come straight from my heart.

If you are looking for a light read and a book that makes you escape reality for a while, Exit West is not the one for you. The book hits you in the face with reality and is emotionally splendid.

Mohsin Hamid's interview with Wall Street Journal on YouTube

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Review- Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: The Original Screenplay by J.K. Rowling

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: The Original Screenplay on Goodreads

 BOOK SUMMARY:

J.K. Rowling's screenwriting debut is captured in this exciting hardcover edition of the Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them screenplay.

When Magizoologist Newt Scamander arrives in New York, he intends his stay to be just a brief stopover. However, when his magical case is misplaced and some of Newt's fantastic beasts escape, it spells trouble for everyone…

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them marks the screenwriting debut of J.K. Rowling, author of the beloved and internationally bestselling Harry Potter books. Featuring a cast of remarkable characters, this is epic, adventure-packed storytelling at its very best.

Whether an existing fan or new to the wizarding world, this is a perfect addition to any reader's bookshelf.

Release date: November 8th 2016

Published by: Arthur A. Levine Books

Page numbers: 293

REVIEW: 

Any book of the Harry Potter franchise always makes me happy. Always.

When I read J.K. Rowling's library collection, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them by Newt Scamander a long, long time ago, I was always curious to know more because it developed in me, a greater love for the incredible magical creatures. Then when a movie based on the book came out last year, I had the most magical time revisiting my home and the place that I belong in- the magical world. So when I saw that there was a Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: The Original Screenplay written by the Queen herself, I had to get a copy and read it. 

Reading the screenplay after months of watching the movie was one the coolest ideas I've ever had because not only did I read and get to experience the written world which Rowling does so bloody brilliantly, but I also got to revisit the movie, which I loved to bits. One of the biggest advantages of reading the screenplay is all the side action that is, albeit in brief, explained meticulously which sometimes doesn't portray so particularly well on screen because it's not explicit. Revisiting the movie and meeting the wonderful Newt again was just so amazing. 

Aside from Newt, however, I loved how close a look I got into the life of this dark but very poor and likeable child, Credence, who is one of the most important characters of the movie. It was also beautiful meeting curious and funny Jacob, sweet and sexy Queenie and lovely and strong Tina again. Not just that, but visiting the American wizarding world again was a fantastic experience. I could imagine everything so perfectly and it felt good to go back.

As always, with any magical world book by Queen Rowling, I find myself incapable of doing her writing and storytelling justice, so I will leave it up to you to buy a copy, read and devour the screenplay of which we have the privilege of reading.

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Review- When Our Worlds Meet Again by Aniesha Brahma

When Our Worlds Meet Again on Goodreads

 BOOK SUMMARY:

Two years after the events of 'When Our Worlds Collide', Zayn and Akriti are now leading extremely different lives. Akriti has come back from her stint at the business school and running her mother's café. Zayn has run into trouble in his PhD program and has come home for a break. While he thinks that things are just as he’d left them two years ago, that is far from the truth. In a last ditch attempt to make Akriti remember the connection they had once shared, Zayn tries to recreate all their memories. But things are never the same when collided worlds meet again.

Release date: November 16th 2018

Published by: General Press

Page numbers: 160

REVIEW: 

I have read and enjoyed author Aniesha Brahma’s books in the past. Well, I’ve also met her and she’s a wonderful friend and human being. And guess what? She’s also a great author. When I read When Our Worlds Collide, I felt like I was part of Akriti and Zayn’s rollercoaster story. So when I got to know that the sequel to their story, When Our Worlds Meet Again was out, I had to read the book. 

I had read the first book a long time back so I didn’t really remember most of it. But Aniesha does a brilliant job of giving snippet recaps in the second book that it added to good revision of the previous story. A simple and sweet story, When Our Worlds Meet Again is a short read that I wish was slightly longer as I want to know more about Akriti and Zayn’s future. 

In this book, the dynamic duo finally have some real talk and make some important decisions. While I did find myself getting slightly annoyed with the two of them and how they handled their relationship, it all felt worth it in the end. It was nice meeting all the characters again. 

Overall, When Our Worlds Meet Again is a great read that I would highly recommend to fans of When Our Worlds Collide and if you haven’t read that, I suggest you read both books back to back. They’re awesome weekend reads. 

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Review- I am M-M-Mumbai by Rishi Vohra

I am M-M-Mumbai on Goodreads

 BOOK SUMMARY:

An intelligent, good-looking young man, Rudra should have been going places, except wherever he goes, he faces ridicule and humiliation because he stammers. His stammering has only ever brought him the wrong kind of attention and he has never been able to overcome it or move past it. Now at 25, he feels completely stifled and embittered that Mumbai, the city of dreams, has always crushed his own dreams, particularly his long-cherished one of becoming a film actor.

Then he meets Richa and love gives him a ray of hope. But heartbreak devastates him and he spins into a downward spiral that eventually pushes him to rock bottom. Now, his only way up is to conquer his fear and insecurity once and for all and speak.

Will Mumbai finally listen? 

Release date: September 2018

Published by: Vishwakarma Publications

Page numbers: 192

REVIEW: 

I always enjoy reading author Rishi Vohra's books. I have read and enjoyed his Once Upon the Tracks of Mumbai and Hifi in Bollywood, so when the author contacted me about his latest, I Am M-M-Mumbai, I was elated. 

All of Rishi's books are set in Mumbai, a city I don't visit frequently and one that I'm not fond of either. But there's something so charming and engrossing in the way the author describes his beloved city that manages to bring a smile to my face. 

I Am M-M-Mumbai is the story of Rudra Talpade, who comes from a simple family and has dreams of becoming an actor but he stammers and that is what keeps him from achieving his goals. Rudra was a very realistic and lovely character and it was difficult not to like him. There were times when I felt he was naive or he was being really stupid, but he always had his reasons for doing what he did and that's admirable. 

Rudra's struggle from being an assistant director to reaching the goals he set for himself was great fun to read about. His family and love interests played an important role and there were some amazing side characters who left a mark. All the people that our hero comes across end up helping in making him who he eventually becomes. 

As always, it was wonderful to try and get to know the fascinating world of Bollywood which Rishi Vohra always nails. Overall, this one is a complete entertainer that I enjoyed oh so much and would highly recommend. 

*Note: A copy of this book was provided by author Rishi Vohra in exchange for an honest review. We thank them.

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Review- Tides Don't Cross by Simar Malhotra

Tides Don't Cross on Goodreads

 BOOK SUMMARY:

Sparks fly immediately when Rukmani—fierce and assertive in the best and worst possible ways—meets the gentle Ayaan in the magical city Paris. Meanwhile, back in India, her reticent sister, Mrinalini struggles to cope with the void of a loveless marriage and an early pregnancy.

Tides Don’t Cross follows these extremely interesting characters as their lives cross in surprising ways. Mrinalini, Ayaan and Rukmani wade through choppy tides, unaware of their common destiny. Deeply touching, this is an unforgettable story of thwarted desires, of love and its loss, of losing and finding oneself, and of falling and learning to rise.

Young and talented author Simar Malhotra has created yet another piercing and riveting read.

Release date: October 1st 2018

Published by: Rupa Publications

Page numbers: 256

REVIEW: 

I haven't read many books by Indian authors this year, so when I picked up Tides Don't Cross, I wasn't quite sure what to expect. When I first saw the cover and read the summary of the book, I thought it sounded really good and unique. Prior to reading this one, however, I was in a reading slump, so all I wanted was a book that would keep me engaged and entertained. Fortunately, Tides Don't Cross was a very refreshing and wonderful read. 

Tides Don't Cross is divided into three parts and follows the story of sisters Mrinalini and Rukmani who have a very strict mother which ends up making one sister very submissive, while the other lives life on her own terms. While there wasn't a lot of interaction between the two sisters, their relationship was beautifully portrayed. From being polar opposites to finding a smooth rhythm and from being far away to being emotionally connected, Mrinalini and Rukmani's relationship survived it all and made for a wonderful story. 

The story also revolves around Ayaan who finds himself being a very important part of the lives of both the sisters. Ayaan's was truly the best character in the book. He just naturally brought out the best in people and seeing Mrinalini and Rukmani with him was amazing. It's hard to express how he made an impact on both their lives without giving away any spoilers. It's something that you have to read to find out and devour. 

Overall, Tides Don't Cross is a wonderful read that I would highly recommend to lovers of contemporary fiction. Author Simar Malholtra managed to keep me wanting to know more and more and the most awesome fact was that I wasn't able to figure out the ending, which is very rare. A different and fresh story, you do not want to miss this one! 

*Note: A copy of this book was provided by Rupa Publications in exchange for an honest review. We thank them.

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Review- You Against Me by Jenny Downham

You Against Me by Jenny Downham

 BOOK SUMMARY:

If someone hurts your sister and you're any kind of man, you seek revenge, right?

If your brother's accused of a terrible crime but says he didn't do it, you defend him, don't you?

When Mikey's sister claims a boy assaulted her, his world begins to fall apart.

When Ellie's brother is charged with the offence, her world begins to unravel.

When Mikey and Ellie meet, two worlds collide.

This is a brave and unflinching novel from the bestselling author of Before I Die. It's a book about loyalty and the choices that come with it. But above all it's a book about love.

Release date: December 2nd 2010

Published by: David Fickling

Page numbers: 413

REVIEW: 

I remember it was 2012 when I first came across You Against Me. When I saw the cover, I knew I had to read the book. I put off reading the ebook for a very, very long time. Recently, however, I came across a paperback copy of the book at a local book sale and bought it. I took it as a sign and finally picked it up from my shelf to read. And man, what a book! 

I'm actually glad I read the book in 2018, and not 2012 because I understood it better and I found so much depth in it in the really small stuff which I probably would've ignored back in the day. Author Jenny Downham has written a beautiful book and her writing is so very beautiful that even though the book is slow and very long, once it ended, I wanted more of her words because they were so beautiful. 

When Karyn files a rape case against Tom, both her and Tom's families are shattered. Family relations are my most favourite part about young adult books, and both families were amazingly portrayed. Tom comes from a very rich family who will do whatever it takes to defend him and his future. Karen's family is poor, troubled but a close knit family who tries their best to be there for her. 

Tom's sister Ellie and Karyn's brother Mikey meet once and sparks fly. Although both want to protect their siblings, they know what's right and what needs to be done to serve justice. I loved how their relationship blossomed throughout the book. These two had some of the hardest decisions to make and they did it with brains and poise. The character and relationship development was wonderful. 

I highly recommend You Against Me to fans of young adult and anyone really, because this is a deep, sad and beautiful book. And since it's set in England, you get to know so much about the country added knowlegde is always a plus. 

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Review- Turtles All the Way Down by John Green

Turtles All the Way Down on Goodreads

 BOOK SUMMARY:

Sixteen-year-old Aza never intended to pursue the mystery of fugitive billionaire Russell Pickett, but there’s a hundred-thousand-dollar reward at stake and her Best and Most Fearless Friend, Daisy, is eager to investigate. So together, they navigate the short distance and broad divides that separate them from Russell Pickett’s son, Davis. Aza is trying. She is trying to be a good daughter, a good friend, a good student, and maybe even a good detective, while also living within the ever-tightening spiral of her own thoughts. In his long-awaited return,

Release date: October 10th 2017

Published by: Dutton Books for Young Readers

Page numbers: 304

REVIEW: 

Like most readers who have read and loved John Green's books in the past, I too was excited for Turtles All the Way Down. While it took me a really long time to get to it, when I finally did, I literally felt like I was at home with a John Green book in my hand. 

I have practically read every John Green book out there- The Fault in Our Stars, Looking for Alaska, Paper Towns, An Abundance of Katherines and Will Grayson, Will Grayson. When I finally got to Turtles All the Way Down, it was like any other John Green book where the teens talk like extremely mature adults, the protagonist is hard to like but the writing is incredible. 

Turtles All the Way Down is the story of Aza whose mental health is portrayed terrifically. While I found it extremely difficult to get used to and like Aza because of her- as her friend rightly puts it "narcissism", I did connect to her on a mental level. Aza meets up with her childhood friend Davis whose billionaire father has suddenly disappeared. There is a reward for the person who finds him. So Aza's friend Daisy takes up the task of doing some investigation.  

For a plot that sounds quite mysterious and interesting, it was neither mysterious nor interesting. Had the summary not mentioned anything about detectives and mysteries, I would've liked the book more because clearly it lacked a strong plot. While it barely took me a couple of days to finish the book, Turtles All the Way Down didn't really have me pumped up or excited to get back to it like some other books by the author have in the past. I hate saying this, but I was really disappointed. 

Although not his most incredible book, I would still recommend Turtles All the Way Down to fans of John Green for his brilliant writing, the on point portrayal of mental health, the superb character of Daisy and for the moment where you realise why it's called Turtles All the Way Down. I wasn't impressed by this one, but I'm glad I didn't miss it. 

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Review- Every You, Every Me by David Levithan

Every You, Every Me on Goodreads

 BOOK SUMMARY:

In this high school-set psychological tale, a tormented teen named Evan starts to discover a series of unnerving photographs—some of which feature him. Someone is stalking him . . . messing with him . . . threatening him. Worse, ever since his best friend Ariel has been gone, he's been unable to sleep, spending night after night torturing himself for his role in her absence. And as crazy as it sounds, Evan's starting to believe it's Ariel that's behind all of this, punishing him. But the more Evan starts to unravel the mystery, the more his paranoia and insomnia amplify, and the more he starts to unravel himself. Creatively told with black-and-white photos interspersed between the text so the reader can see the photos that are so unnerving to Evan, Every You, Every Me is a one-of-a-kind departure from a one-of-a-kind author.

Release date: September 11th 2012

Published by: Ember

Page numbers: 243

REVIEW: 

Being a huge, huge, HUGE David Levithan fan, I was really looking forward to reading Every You, Every Me. But just the fact that this is a David Levithan book didn't excite me as much as the fact that this is a photographic novel. Now I have read books with photos, but a photographic novel was a new concept, and I was quite excited to see how it would turn out. I normally don't care much for pictures in books, because it's the words that matter to me, but I thought that with Every You, Every Me, my mind would be changed for the better. 

Now while I did like the idea of Every You, Every Me, for a David Levithan book- and I hate saying this with all my heart- it was rather mediocre and lacklustre. The writing and narrative were brilliant, as always because when David Levithan sits to write, I imagine the words just flow from his head and heart. So the writing was undoubtedly perfect, although the strikethroughs were very close to getting on my nerves, but I could easily oversee that. As expected, the writing was flawless and faultless. 

What really annoyed me this time with Every You, Every Me was the characters who were very typical David Levithan in their quaint and unique way, but they irritated me because no one was clear about what was going on, what they wanted, and what they were willing to do about it. So while we have the mysteriously disappeared Ariel whose presence wasn't felt in her absence, we have her friend and our main voice Evan, who was just confused. The only character who seemed likeable and at times practical to me was Jack, Ariel's ex-boyfriend because at least he seemed sure of what he didn't want. 

Overall, I was disappointed with Every You, Every Me. If you take a look at my copy of the book, which is practically covered in sticky notes, you might question my disappointment. But you have to understand, I fell in love with the words, not so much with the story. So for the pleasure of words, sentences, lines and reading just to feel the power and glory of words, I would recommend this book without the blink of an eye, but here's a warning: don't expect a moving David Levithan story.  

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Review- My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult

 My Sister's Keeper on Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

Now a major film. Sara Fitzgerald's daughter Kate is just two years old when she is diagnosed with a rare form of leukaemia. Reeling with the helpless shock of it, Sara knows she will do anything -- whatever it takes - to save her child. Then the tests results come back time and again to show that no one in their family is a match for Kate. If they are to find a donor for the crucial bone marrow transplant she needs, there is only one option: creating another baby, specifically designed to save her sister. For Sara, it seems the ideal solution. Not only does Kate live, but she gets a beautiful new daughter, Anna, too. Until the moment Anna hands Sara the papers that will rock her whole world. Because, aged thirteen, Anna has decided that she doesn't want to help Kate live any more. She is suing her parents for the rights to her own body.

Release date: June 11th 2009

Published by: Hodder Paperbacks

Page numbers: 407

REVIEW: 

How do I even review a book like My Sister's Keeper? I had been procrastinating writing this, but then I thought, let's just give it a go and get it over it. But guess what? I have been staring at my black screen for the past five minutes. I have no words to describe the journey that this book has been. I am a 100% sure that my words won't do justice to this marvel. But here goes nothing.

My Sister's Keeper is the story of the Fitzgerald family, where Kate is diagnosed with leukaemia at the age of two, and her only chance at survival is a major bone marrow transplant, for which her parents give birth to another baby who is designed to help Kate. And so, we have Anna. Kate and Anna also have a bother, Jesse. The three siblings were incredibly and realistically portrayed and any intense moments between siblings brings tears to my eyes. This novel wasn't any different. I found myself sympathising with Kate, supporting Anna and trying to understand Jesse.

But there's so much more than the story of a family and their hardships to My Sister's Keeper. This book is about science, medicine, law, justice and what not. I did find it to be a wee bit slow at the very beginning, but once it picked up pace, I was engrossed in it to the point that I both wanted to know the end but didn't want the story to be over. Speaking of the end, I found it both satisfying and disappointing. It wasn't predictable per se, but I did have this ending in mind somewhere along the way. However, it was a medley of coincidences which I always find a tad bit hard to believe. But when everything comes together in the end, it's deeply satisfying.

I don't suppose this review is going to be of any help to anyone. All I would say is that this book is a roller coaster and an emotional one at that. I understand how and why readers can both love and hate it. I, for one, have a bunch of mixed feelings, leaning more towards the positive of course. But this is one of those books that, the longer they stay on your mind (oh, and trust me, this one will), the more youe feelings change as it makes you think.

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