tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2262585163799585712024-03-23T17:51:24.476+05:30I Love LifeMoitrayee Bhadurihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11841871041193019945noreply@blogger.comBlogger72125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-226258516379958571.post-40231214389623885502019-12-31T19:08:00.000+05:302019-12-31T19:08:29.633+05:30A Refreshingly Promising Debut<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Book
Review: </span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Visions of a Summer Past</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Author: Avishek
Gupta</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Rating: 4.5/5</span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span style="line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span style="line-height: 107%;">Amazon Link: </span></b><span style="line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://amzn.to/359WoRM"><b>https://amzn.to/359WoRM</b></a></span></span></span><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When I picked
up Avishek Gupta’s debut novel ‘Visions of a Summer Past’, I was intrigued by
the title of the book. Half way down this absorbing novel, I had no doubt that
Gupta had chosen a befitting title. It is not easy to write a non-linear story with
long time leaps, to periodically switch between the past and the present, and
to keep the reader engrossed all along the journey. However, full marks to the
author for beautifully portraying glimpses of pre-independent India as well as 21<sup>st</sup>
century United States with equal élan. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The fabulous
mix of fact and fantasy add an old-world charm to this novel. This is a unique
story of magic realism and I don’t want to divulge details, lest you lose the
charm. But hat’s off to the author for skilfully switching between timelines like
a pro. His attention to detail while elucidating the life in Dhaka is
brilliant. Each time the backdrop changes, the author meticulously recreates the
setting and the transition appears seamless to the reader. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A fresh plot, neatly
drafted characters, and a story that wraps mystical elements intelligently make
this an engaging read. You cannot read this book in a hurry. You need to take time
to understand and empathise with Prafulla, Asmani, Rohit, and Celeste as they
experience a series of life-changing events. The sea of emotions that each
character feels is portrayed subtly. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The author’s
writing style is poetic and graceful. Understanding the mindset of characters
who lived in the 1940s and then interpreting the circumstances in a way that
the reader can relate to them is no mean feat! But the author achieves that
effortlessly with his vivid imagination and thorough research. Portraying so
many different emotions across multiple time leaps through so many characters
is incredible. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Though the
book does well in its 200 pages, I wish it was a bit longer. I would definitely
like to read a sequel to this book. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To sum up, ‘Visions
of a Summer Past’ is a heartening tale of love, spiritual bonding, and deep
faith. I would recommend this book to all bibliophiles.</span></span><br />
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Moitrayee Bhadurihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11841871041193019945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-226258516379958571.post-70961073118127067312019-12-30T20:15:00.000+05:302019-12-30T20:15:03.237+05:30A Dangerously Enthralling Read<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQXKbNlqgmqQaZEewES6u1mLPwoC_oRs0TCJYWLypjfGAZC9v2zS0-93jEk0B75kVW96uAiHoOSdqap0wfIFEJkBJfxXJ9ptKyfIlRjHv6REchOqvM6efUFs-CADn4VPoALbIkuCwv0HI/s1600/The+Sinners+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1322" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQXKbNlqgmqQaZEewES6u1mLPwoC_oRs0TCJYWLypjfGAZC9v2zS0-93jEk0B75kVW96uAiHoOSdqap0wfIFEJkBJfxXJ9ptKyfIlRjHv6REchOqvM6efUFs-CADn4VPoALbIkuCwv0HI/s320/The+Sinners+cover.jpg" width="242" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Book
Review: The Sinners</span></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Author: Sourabh
Mukherjee</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Publisher:
Srishti Publishers & Distributors</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif;"><b></b><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Rating: 5/5</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><b></b><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Amazon Link: <a href="https://amzn.to/37hXxb6">https://amzn.to/37hXxb6</a></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">With his new, action-packed crime thriller ‘The Sinners’, author
Sourabh Mukherjee hits the bullseye once again. As the title suggests, this riveting
murder mystery is all about temptations, scandals, aspirations, rivalries, mind
games, lust, and sins galore. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Set in Mumbai, this is a dark and dangerous tale revolving
around the murder of Vikram Oberoi, a middle-aged, charming playboy who heads
an IT firm. In an appalling turn of events, the rich and popular Vikram gets
trapped in an embarrassing scandal that threatens to destroy his reputation and
render him bankrupt. The story opens with Vikram’s death and in the subsequent chapters,
the reader learns about his secret liaisons, lustful adventures, and affairs on
the fly. The narrative is extremely interesting and I cannot reveal more
because this is a whodunit.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Being a master storyteller, the author effortlessly builds
a brilliant plot and firms it up with an intriguing mix of twists and high-voltage
drama. The intricate complexities of the corporate world and the unspoken
rivalries that sometimes have the power to make or mar careers are perfectly
portrayed through the key characters and the situations they deal with. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The author’s writing style is simple and lucid. The
chapters are short and will keep you hooked till you reach the end. The
characters - Vikram, Aarti, Sonal, Ashwin, and others seem real, well-rounded,
and grey. The writing is visual and I hope the author writes a screenplay of this
novel.</span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What I missed in this book was the detailed investigation
which had been the highlight of Mukherjee’s earlier novels. So, even though
this is a fabulous book, Mukherjee’s debut novel ‘In the Shadows of Death’
remains my favourite by the author. </span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To sum up, ‘The
Sinners’ is a fast-paced, unputdownable thriller to curl up with on a lazy,
wintry evening. Highly recommended.</span></span><br />
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br /></div>
Moitrayee Bhadurihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11841871041193019945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-226258516379958571.post-27595098084604171132019-12-21T16:15:00.000+05:302019-12-21T16:15:23.188+05:30A Soul-searching Saga to Calm Your Mind<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzrDG55AKETzRgU37pUA-RhFLBhaUC3F4eZK96nORPpEw6Ff8iul5HRetOlhDOJie6qYInQXAk8PKopHSMOa9Smvs1bGtR_UrMSSCSlKWMwNM60YIPBZLgPvcEAwsap1Nfyj_BYfj8n0o/s1600/Karmic+City+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1254" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzrDG55AKETzRgU37pUA-RhFLBhaUC3F4eZK96nORPpEw6Ff8iul5HRetOlhDOJie6qYInQXAk8PKopHSMOa9Smvs1bGtR_UrMSSCSlKWMwNM60YIPBZLgPvcEAwsap1Nfyj_BYfj8n0o/s320/Karmic+City+cover.jpg" width="229" /></a><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Book Review: Karmic
City- The City of Lord Brahma</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Author: Hema
Myer Sood</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rating: 4.5/5</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br /></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Amazon link: <a href="https://amzn.to/35GvBxk">https://amzn.to/35GvBxk</a></span></b></div>
</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hema Sood’s
thought-provoking book ‘Karmic City: The City of Lord Brahma’ is deep,
soothing, and insightful. It is the author’s first book in the ‘Karmic City’
trilogy. As I started reading this inspiring tale, I was enamoured by the
vastness of the subject the author has chosen and the beauty with which she has
expressed her points of view on a variety of ideas. The book encourages readers
to dream and exercise the inherent power of their imagination. It elucidates
how tapping the energies within us and channelizing them in the right direction
can lead us to unravel the mysteries that have intrigued people since ages. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This
unconventional story revolves around an entity, aptly called ‘Soul’. The Soul guides
the key characters in the book – Aditi, Vaidehi, Virat, and Kartik – towards their
path of destiny and encourages them to deep-dive into soul-searching. The story
progresses through the spiritual experiences and realisations of the characters
and their conversations with Soul. Though the Soul talks about Lord Brahma and
gives references from holy Hindu scriptures, this is not a book about religion.
It seeks to establish the undeniable bond that exists between an individual and
their soul. Each soul has its own journey and with concentration and
meditation, one can attain wisdom. The positivity in the book is sure to rub on
you.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The references to
the Cosmos, the seven auric layers, and the five elements was invigorating. I
learned something new and am intrigued to read the other two books in the
trilogy now. Though I may not completely agree with all the concepts discussed
in the book, I applaud the author on her extensive research, spiritual knowledge,
and impactful insights. It is never easy to write a book like this one!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The author’s
writing style is captivating and her language is flawless. The writing is
powerfully soothing and, in many places, it reminded me of my favourite author
Paulo Coelho. I was in awe of the beautiful poetry in the book, all penned by
the author herself. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%;">This
book is a guide to positivity and can help you focus on your chosen goal in
life. Apart from those interested in spiritual readings and motivational books,
I would highly recommend this book to students of philosophy and psychology.</span></span><br />
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfmAoFT0wBvRwZ6476BwzgbZiaAG8EbUHberB2-AQvhH0JT0IjAtyLI1j5KDesjIDy3xDP2Jhr7P4y7LwaIHqqUoBM-NcW-q3uhx81U3IloK_MI77BFlZwOOUKuQJU-JE3Xn_LoezNFSo/s1600/Karmic+City.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1418" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfmAoFT0wBvRwZ6476BwzgbZiaAG8EbUHberB2-AQvhH0JT0IjAtyLI1j5KDesjIDy3xDP2Jhr7P4y7LwaIHqqUoBM-NcW-q3uhx81U3IloK_MI77BFlZwOOUKuQJU-JE3Xn_LoezNFSo/s320/Karmic+City.jpg" width="203" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Delighted to receive an autographed copy of<br />the book from the author :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Moitrayee Bhadurihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11841871041193019945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-226258516379958571.post-29399346146522180222019-12-15T17:13:00.000+05:302019-12-15T17:14:29.761+05:30A brilliantly plotted emotional roller-coaster<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5i9kxfAO5Ijb8n7-1JAdYNeGNSSoOi0BRPg-D9h89l3lkt_Yn7tujN1sxRgzvsPKZZZ0NhGnrzsBWUUUqJj4fpqY3Jmi4zIX6RxvWI4qaCqQo7NNBMldEqabtA1le_dM24e5nNOfgDsE/s1600/Once+Upon+a+Reunion_Nithya.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="436" data-original-width="292" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5i9kxfAO5Ijb8n7-1JAdYNeGNSSoOi0BRPg-D9h89l3lkt_Yn7tujN1sxRgzvsPKZZZ0NhGnrzsBWUUUqJj4fpqY3Jmi4zIX6RxvWI4qaCqQo7NNBMldEqabtA1le_dM24e5nNOfgDsE/s320/Once+Upon+a+Reunion_Nithya.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Book Review: Once Upon a Reunion </span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Author: Nithya Sashi</span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Rating: 4.5/5</span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Amazon link: <a href="https://amzn.to/2rNK5wK">https://amzn.to/2rNK5wK</a>
</span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It is difficult to
restrict Nithya Sashi’s brilliant novel ‘Once Upon a Reunion’ to one genre.
This is a fast-paced story that starts with a hint of romance and nostalgia and
develops into an intense story of love and longing. And then, suddenly, a brisk
dramatic twist wrapped in a persuasively written sub-plot turns the book into a
sinister murder-mystery. The author’s intelligent play of language and plot is
what I loved the most about this story.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When Nirmala, an
IT professional, readies herself for a reunion with her high-school friends,
she is excited as well as worried. The enthusiasm of catching-up with old
friends and the inexplicable anxiety of meeting an ex-beau (she secretly pines
for) take her on an emotional roller-coaster, which the author portrays
beautifully. While friends Aarti and Indraneel insist that she join the
gathering, Nirmala is excited and undecided. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Nirmala’s
character is built around the woes of a married woman burdened with the mundane
pressures that dictate her guilt-filled life. The author handles the fluctuating
degrees of complication in the life of her characters with the deftness of a
seasoned writer. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Nirmala joins the reunion
party but is horrified when Suresh, her ex-lover is found dead. I was
pleasantly surprised and totally taken aback with the mystery element in the
novel. The author plaits in the suspense neatly, making the narrative gripping. The only bit that I wanted a wee bit more of in
the book was the crime story. However, it ended a tad abruptly. Perhaps that’s
how the author intended it to be. However, this sub-plot has the potential to
be built into a full-fledged novel in itself. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The
characterisation is another key highlight of the book. Nirmala’s relationship with
her husband Sreenivas, who is once loving and then erratic, is depicted well. The
friendship, bitterness, follies, and dilemmas make the characters very realistic
and grey. Nirmala’s feelings for Suresh seem overwhelming at times but establish
the extreme emotions she feels for the men in her life. Through choicest use of
metaphors, the author shows how Nirmala is mentally trapped between her past
and present and headed towards an uncertain future. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I would love to
read a full-blown crime-thriller novel from the author, primarily because of
her sheer brilliance in building such an intricate plot. I was hooked to the
book and finished it in one sitting. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Highly recommended
for all romance and thriller lovers.</span></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijmjsaA3x4K6vXKnmd7YV6XC13Z40E5ep82RETV2aew_XYG-RdgqrNN1V_UiRLkqtmMl4-T3m0Rzh6JMgKq0QRwM32QIZ6ipVTw_Iw4Ci-5rFTvTKl5d6kGQvJUYzc-UKEMoZ2pcGp7hY/s1600/Once+Upon+a+Reunion_Nithya.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><b></b><i></i><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br /></a><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span>
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Moitrayee Bhadurihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11841871041193019945noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-226258516379958571.post-3120402994946498712019-12-11T19:05:00.000+05:302019-12-15T16:51:10.965+05:30A heart-warming story of love, loss, and hope<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW2R3xcCKIjFb3S5oRn6MC4i6Zm-Fxt0vSLBuflcoRp4ki_9nHJsVj9xCd3JEw_xJMWhwqvQnpkDAn_-eAS9QT66jhLbSD_JCrvCcVFLHnlsMhFT-eMkeNtqcMnfaBmGsK0b_dhYOSViU/s1600/Book+Cover+Love+%2540Air+Force.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1514" data-original-width="1000" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW2R3xcCKIjFb3S5oRn6MC4i6Zm-Fxt0vSLBuflcoRp4ki_9nHJsVj9xCd3JEw_xJMWhwqvQnpkDAn_-eAS9QT66jhLbSD_JCrvCcVFLHnlsMhFT-eMkeNtqcMnfaBmGsK0b_dhYOSViU/s200/Book+Cover+Love+%2540Air+Force.jpg" width="130" /></a></div>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
</h3>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
</h3>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
Book
Review: Love @ Air Force</h3>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
</h3>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
Author: Gaurav Sharma</h3>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
</h3>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
Rating: 4.5/5</h3>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
</h3>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
Amazon link: <a href="https://amzn.to/2qDDoN4">https://amzn.to/2qDDoN4</a> </h3>
<div>
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When I received
this book from the author, I was instantly impressed by the thoughtfully
designed book cover. Later, it was a pleasant surprise to learn that the cover
design is the brainchild of Arnav Sharma, the author’s young, talented son. The
simplicity of this powerful visualization is commendable.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Coming to the
narrative, ‘Love @ Air Force’ is a beautifully woven story about two childhood
friends who unexpectedly bump into each other after decades! While both of them
are employed with the Indian Air Force, Sushil Awasthi is a non-commissioned sergeant,
while his best friend Shabd Mishra is a decorated Wing Commander. Can they
still be friends or will the disparity in ranks play spoilsport? Well, I leave
that to you, to find out.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Without revealing
more about the story, I must say that this tale will tug at your heartstrings
and bring back fond memories of your first love. Full marks to the author on the
relatable yet unique characterisation.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">While Sushil and
Shabd lead the story, the high point in the drama is when the </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">sensible and <span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">empathetic Soumya is introduced. She enters like a breath of fresh air and
shows how brilliantly delicate matters of the heart can be handled.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6_Ph-qdSxaVgyjMLMRo5Iy-w1jMzSsHlgrVa-farFNwNnVhl6_yMQf6A79LXWk8haHdxiQee9SOhkqP5jCZW7zKL0w19t4prbmGfuXI35B199xuOv9qgbLKwxfV9E2DAzrHoExPHPtOk/s1600/Book+Cover+Love+%2540Air+Force2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="1001" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6_Ph-qdSxaVgyjMLMRo5Iy-w1jMzSsHlgrVa-farFNwNnVhl6_yMQf6A79LXWk8haHdxiQee9SOhkqP5jCZW7zKL0w19t4prbmGfuXI35B199xuOv9qgbLKwxfV9E2DAzrHoExPHPtOk/s200/Book+Cover+Love+%2540Air+Force2.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div>
The author sent me this lovely autographed </div>
<div>
copy :)</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sushil comes
across as a somewhat chauvinistic man stuck in an apparently unhappy marriage,
who sometimes makes clichéd remarks about people of other communities. But what
struck me was Sushil’s ability to find humour in the most mundane tasks, his fierce
loyalty towards his friend, and his patriotism, regardless of the stiff
personal challenges he faced since childhood.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Shabd on the other
hand is the perfect gentleman with his uniformed heart throbbing faster than a
teenager’s, at the mention of his childhood love. The depth of his emotions
makes him stand out, apart from his magnanimous personality.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I liked
Sharmistha’s character too, but she enters the story rather late. I would have
enjoyed the book more if she had a meaty part, like the other characters. But
the little that we know of her leaves an indelible impression in the minds of
the reader. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Though each
character is different, the profundity of their friendship binds them together,
beautifully. The author’s writing style is simple, lucid, and engaging. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">To sum up, whether
you are aware of life at the Indian Air Force or not, this book is for you. Kudos
to the author on his research and detailing of incidents of hierarchy at the
Air Force. They blend with the narrative
so well that by the time the story ends, you realize that while you were
reading a story of love and friendship, the author gave you a whole new
perspective about a life that is very different from that of a civilian’s. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Highly recommended
for everyone who has experienced unrequited love. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
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Moitrayee Bhadurihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11841871041193019945noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-226258516379958571.post-1300216952695083592019-05-24T18:35:00.000+05:302019-05-24T18:36:20.115+05:30A fascinating love story with a tinge of mystery<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgliWSl9I2R6OrRMU_AG-L5hKBTp7vDiKZXGMTtfhMFvzVKMKgyHqK3yKQkrvwpGULDEI09mrs97ewOPkp0fdPLCBlZR8SHFpvcvP6Ue_aqGUr4rPxaVsaZ7jEWotHUrce0voy5iRNhlIY/s1600/safe-haven.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="662" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgliWSl9I2R6OrRMU_AG-L5hKBTp7vDiKZXGMTtfhMFvzVKMKgyHqK3yKQkrvwpGULDEI09mrs97ewOPkp0fdPLCBlZR8SHFpvcvP6Ue_aqGUr4rPxaVsaZ7jEWotHUrce0voy5iRNhlIY/s200/safe-haven.jpg" width="131" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">
</div>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
Book Review: Safe Haven</h3>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
Author: Nicholas Sparks</h3>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
Rating: 5/5</h3>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="margin: 0px;">I recently completed reading <i>Safe Haven</i>. Just
like all books written by Nicholas Sparks, this one too enchants the reader
with its simplicity and emphasis on our purpose in life.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="margin: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
<span lang="EN-US" style="margin: 0px;"></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: left;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="margin: 0px;">If <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Notebook</i>
redefined passion and friendship and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">A
Walk to Remember</i> strengthened your belief in true love, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Safe Haven</i> will show you how despite innumerable
obstacles, divine intervention helps unite lovers.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="margin: 0px;"> </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="margin: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="margin: 0px;">Katie is the unassuming beautiful
protagonist who leaves the city where she has lived all her life, in search of
peace. To add a new dimension to her life and ward off her abusive past, Katie
comes to a faraway city and takes up a humble job to distract herself and keep the cash flowing. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="margin: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="margin: 0px;">Having given up on happiness and love, Katie doesn’t talk much to anyone. However, she is quite amused to have a
female neighbour who is inquisitive about all the happenings in her life. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="margin: 0px;">Soon, Katie finds love in Alex, a widower. Their
fairy-tale romance is interrupted when Katie’s abusive ex-husband reaches the
new city, looking for her. What follows is a heart-warming story of love, betrayal,
and hope - with several goosebumps’ moments. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="margin: 0px;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="margin: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="margin: 0px;">Love as a topic for a novel has been tossed
over and been used by almost every second author who ventured into fiction
writing. Whether it is mystery, comedy, humour, or something else, the stories usually have hues of love embedded in them. So, why is it that some love stories touch your
heart and others don't? May be because of the way the author’s
style captivates your mind or the characterization. I have often seen it is the
simplicity and honesty with which a character is depicted that makes a story
memorable.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="margin: 0px;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="margin: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="margin: 0px;">Probably that is the reason Sparks’ <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Safe Haven</i> strikes a chord. We spend a
lot of time on social networking sites these days and often meet ‘the special
one’ meant for us online. However, at the risk of sounding ancient, I must admit that I still believe that a
face-to-face interaction and ‘hand-written’ communication is way more romantic than any virtual interaction can ever be. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="margin: 0px;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="margin: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<i>Safe Haven</i><span lang="EN-US" style="margin: 0px;"> is not a sloppy, mushy love story. It
talks about the value of life, the price we pay for being emotional, and establishes
the fact that <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Pain is inevitable but
suffering is optional</i>. Full of interesting plot twists and surprises, this
book is a page-turner. Highly recommended.</span></div>
<b></b><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br /></div>
Moitrayee Bhadurihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11841871041193019945noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-226258516379958571.post-26861503427508320282019-03-28T17:41:00.001+05:302019-03-28T17:43:35.288+05:30The Feeling of Guilt<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX9oxpdpvuiFqwaEazgqS71EQ3YzlxpHgFeGy-TgS7Dgwwp4wdxV79QZ12kRYswBxwwgNlWVqi6ri1sx11MX9-TBC3NHgqyAebNoHEvsznCd8XSE5fPBJjteGh8l9Q4kJ5a_djOq5Dybw/s1600/Girl+sad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="854" data-original-width="1280" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX9oxpdpvuiFqwaEazgqS71EQ3YzlxpHgFeGy-TgS7Dgwwp4wdxV79QZ12kRYswBxwwgNlWVqi6ri1sx11MX9-TBC3NHgqyAebNoHEvsznCd8XSE5fPBJjteGh8l9Q4kJ5a_djOq5Dybw/s320/Girl+sad.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">How often does the feeling of guilt bug you? Do you lament
over the thought that you are not being able to live up to your family's
expectations? Guilt enters our lives in more ways than we can imagine. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">You can feel guilty if you had that extra piece of chocolate
which you forbade your kid to have. You can feel guilty giving a flimsy excuse
to your family and sneaking out to enjoy your 'me time'. You can feel guilty
for not earning enough. You can feel guilty lying to someone just because you
want to avoid them. The list is endless.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">More than anything, we feel guilty when we want to do
something solely for ourselves. We think a hundred times before planning a
quiet weekend, sceptical that it might offend the family. I know several people
who have sacrificed their dreams only because they felt guilty about putting
their own interest above the others. They have let years pass by. Now in their
twilight years, they regret not having done what they always wanted to do. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">That is exactly what guilt does to us. It eats into our
present and disturbs our future. It makes us unhappy and forces us to
unwillingly make sacrifices to please others. What we don't realize is that
sometimes those repeated selfless acts turn into expectations. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">For example, if you are spoon-feeding someone every day, you
will be loved and appreciated initially. Soon, it becomes a routine. The day
you stop, you will not just annoy the other person, they will blame you for
being selfish. Because, it has become a habit for them to expect the
spoon-feeding from you. Similarly, if you are offering money to an able family
member in need continuously, the person is slowly turning into a parasite. S/he
will always be in need of money and will have a tendency to take advantage of
your goodness. Just refuse them the money once and you will see their true
colours. Of course, only if you are able to get rid of your feeling of guilt
first.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #001000;"><span style="padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 16px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.pexels.com/@mikegreer-photos?utm_content=attributionCopyText&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=pexels" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 300; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Photo by Mike Greer from Pexels</a></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span>Perhaps there is no perfect way or approach to kill that
guilt-feeling. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">But you can always make a beginning by setting daily goals.
For example, "I will complete these 3 things today, regardless of
everything and NOT feel guilty." How often do we feel guilty for depriving
ourselves of the little flickers of happiness we deserve to enjoy? Rarely.
Those unfulfilled desires translate into regrets later in life. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">Even on this day, there are thousands of school-girls
especially in villages who feel guilty for going to school and not being able
to help their mother with household chores. There are 21st century superwomen
who feel guilty for going to office and leaving their child with a family
member or a babysitter. There are people, both men and women who stay unmarried
lifelong to provide for their families. They feel guilty that marriage might
change them, because they are the sole breadwinners. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">It is great to help others
and always be there for them. But not at the cost of denying yourself what is
rightfully yours. Go dance in the rain, enjoy that cool breeze, go on that solo
trip, set your eyes on the unthinkable dream and achieve it. Because no one but
you and you alone can stand up for yourself and live your dream. Shed your
inhibitions, kick the guilt, and enjoy life till you have it.</span></div>
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Moitrayee Bhadurihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11841871041193019945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-226258516379958571.post-24551364529473426802018-12-14T12:54:00.000+05:302018-12-18T12:56:36.585+05:30The World of Automation<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr style="margin-bottom: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxB9GV3yd265ee3Ly8nC270Y23V0BSz-PZ8MTQkLdM15DYcDdYk2kWt5e9Hjjdro7U_TRWUDxYCR5fFEHhbF8K45EH4B1xxlaebR0g0c8hu8wP_omd5diHRnTl5vz3XqnhAe_Lmq4Bkhh7/s1600/ai-artificial-intelligence-automation-1329068.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1562" data-original-width="1600" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxB9GV3yd265ee3Ly8nC270Y23V0BSz-PZ8MTQkLdM15DYcDdYk2kWt5e9Hjjdro7U_TRWUDxYCR5fFEHhbF8K45EH4B1xxlaebR0g0c8hu8wP_omd5diHRnTl5vz3XqnhAe_Lmq4Bkhh7/s320/ai-artificial-intelligence-automation-1329068.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr style="margin-bottom: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><td class="tr-caption" style="padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;"><span style="line-height: 13.33px; margin: 0px;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Photo by rawpixel.com from Pexels</span></i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: &quot; font-size: 16px; line-height: 17.33px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>N</b></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">oted science-fiction writer Sir Arthur C. Clarke’s
observation that “Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable
from magic” is more relevant today than ever before. </span></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10.66px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: &quot; font-size: 16px; line-height: 17.33px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">A world where smartphones
walk and crawl with robotic limbs, humanoid robots conduct job interviews,
autonomous cars drive people home, drones make home-delivery possible, smart
assistants plan investments and make routine decisions for their users –
doesn’t seem fictional or far-fetched anymore. </span></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10.66px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: &quot; font-size: 16px; line-height: 17.33px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Several of these technologies
are either already available or in development. Automation has made that
possible.</span></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
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<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10.66px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: &quot; font-size: 16px; line-height: 17.33px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Automation is the application of technology to improve
business productivity, save time, and reduce costs. Technological advancements
in artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (MI), robotic process
automation (RPA), and Internet of Things (IoT) have weaved automation so
seamlessly in our digital lifestyle that challenges that earlier seemed
unsurmountable can magically be addressed with automation. </span></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10.66px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: &quot; font-size: 16px; line-height: 17.33px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Today, business
intelligence in applications has taken automation to a whole new level and it
is constantly evolving. Organizations like Amazon, Google, and other technology
bigwigs are constantly on the lookout for advanced AI platforms with highly
skilled digital assistants that will transform the way organizations behave and
connect with their clients. </span></span></div>
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<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10.66px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<b style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: &quot; font-size: 16px; line-height: 17.33px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The
benefits of automation</span></span></b></div>
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<tr style="margin-bottom: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe7pwpwH4QUukomkNwUitAUv0LcrvEoF5BtpSJuCTwvD6gGlL6cf8uB4E3znrn9tIzc1V1txexjNI-217Ifeg8ssTiKcP2nol7bb9rM2ASbXzbIndPrSrr2L5lt1H9ifEgru0t8lHVCPbt/s1600/background-code-coder-177598.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe7pwpwH4QUukomkNwUitAUv0LcrvEoF5BtpSJuCTwvD6gGlL6cf8uB4E3znrn9tIzc1V1txexjNI-217Ifeg8ssTiKcP2nol7bb9rM2ASbXzbIndPrSrr2L5lt1H9ifEgru0t8lHVCPbt/s320/background-code-coder-177598.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr style="margin-bottom: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><td class="tr-caption" style="padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;"><span style="line-height: 13.33px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i>Photo by Markus Spiske temporausch.com from Pexels</i></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10.66px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: &quot; font-size: 16px; line-height: 17.33px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Automation is not a new concept and companies have resorted
to automate processes to improve efficiency in the past too, especially in
labour-intensive sectors. Economist J.M Keynes had predicted in the twentieth
century that automation would enable a shorter work week of less than 15 hours. </span></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10.66px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: &quot; font-size: 16px; line-height: 17.33px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Today there is an increased demand for intelligent automation platforms across
industries not only to improve productivity and reduce costs but also to gain
deeper customer insights, understand consumer behaviour, and achieve customer
delight. </span></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10.66px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: &quot; font-size: 16px; line-height: 17.33px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">AI and ML are constantly evolving and equipping machines to learn
through experience, minus explicit programming. </span></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
</div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10.66px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: &quot; font-size: 16px; line-height: 17.33px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Computers with artificial intelligence are being designed
to complete human tasks including speech recognition, decision-making, visual
perception etc. With IoT, the intent is that the things around us should be
able to understand, yield, and use the information generated by humans,
systems, or other things. </span></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
</div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10.66px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: &quot; font-size: 16px; line-height: 17.33px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Automation improves business performance, cuts costs, and
eliminates human error. Robots have mastered the art of performing repetitive
tasks and revolutionized turnaround time in areas such as customer service, data-entry,
and IT support. </span></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10.66px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: &quot; font-size: 16px; line-height: 17.33px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Now, with artificial intelligence performing mundane, routine
tasks, human minds can focus on more innovative and creative work.</span></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
</div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10.66px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<b style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: &quot; font-size: 16px; line-height: 17.33px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">On the
flip side</span></span></b></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; clear: both; color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGwmW54bkj0ceaKKoxG8wLpay2Y7DOZKzRTpNQIFYJ6JkDpI905a3-b_dHJ1AIV3XX9ZV_NmpqUfHYrrAI6Bf98PhHZUaqqOwuh5uXkvvwnNTWWt2lB4odsHUYg1974MnkJHE1JH7WwtMX/s1600/board-game-business-challenge-277052.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-left: 16px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGwmW54bkj0ceaKKoxG8wLpay2Y7DOZKzRTpNQIFYJ6JkDpI905a3-b_dHJ1AIV3XX9ZV_NmpqUfHYrrAI6Bf98PhHZUaqqOwuh5uXkvvwnNTWWt2lB4odsHUYg1974MnkJHE1JH7WwtMX/s320/board-game-business-challenge-277052.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10.66px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: &quot; font-size: 16px; line-height: 17.33px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Automation has impacted every aspect of our lives –
political, social, economic, and personal. However, there are areas where AI
cannot be fully utilized such as jobs that involve expressing emotions or
showing empathy. </span></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10.66px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: &quot; font-size: 16px; line-height: 17.33px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">For example, the role played by doctors, care givers, social
service workers, counsellors etc. For careers in creativity too, automation has
its limitations – while there is knowledge and information, sensitivity is
missing. </span></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
</div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10.66px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: &quot; font-size: 16px; line-height: 17.33px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Some experts argue that if not monitored, automation could
be dangerous to the human race. </span></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10.66px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: &quot; font-size: 16px; line-height: 17.33px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">While automated digital platforms may empower
users to switch their professions as frequently as they wish (be a cab driver
one day, a programmer the next day), working on diverse work areas might not be
empowering but rather enslaving in the long run. Besides, progress in
automation and artificial intelligence will not only eliminate the need for
people with routine, repetitive tasks but will also impact those with high
qualifications and non-routine jobs. </span></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
</div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10.66px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<b style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: &quot; font-size: 16px; line-height: 17.33px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Going
forward</span></span></b></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
</div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10.66px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: &quot; font-size: 16px; line-height: 17.33px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">We are witnessing a technological revolution with
automation that is evolving and scaling new heights with every passing day.
Automation platforms are on the path to becoming more mature and proficient. </span></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10.66px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: &quot; font-size: 16px; line-height: 17.33px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">With real-estate agents turning to automation to attract buyers, researchers
from the University of Toronto claiming that AI may be able to predict if a
person has the Alzheimer’s disease five years in advance, and Saudi Arabia
becoming the first country to give citizenship to a robot, automation continues
to be the go-to technology across industries. </span></span></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br /></div>
Moitrayee Bhadurihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11841871041193019945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-226258516379958571.post-14576467487278194692018-10-12T18:41:00.001+05:302018-10-12T18:50:06.917+05:30Must-read Crime Thrillers of the 20th Century<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: x-large; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"><b>I</b></span><span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">n the 19<sup>th</sup> century, <b>Oscar Wilde</b> wrote, “The
suspense is terrible. I hope it will last.” Don't </span><span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">we wish that even
today, while devouring a spine-chilling crime-thriller? Regardless of the
generation we belong to or the century we live in, crime-fiction continues to be
an extremely popular genre for readers all over the world. </span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">As we dig into the not-so-long-ago past, we unearth a treasure
trove of exciting and suspenseful page-turners. The 20<sup>th</sup> century
witnessed a steep growth in the number of books written in the crime-thriller
genre. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">Here is my pick of 10 timeless
crime-thriller books from the early and mid-20<sup>th</sup> century that fascinate
me even today.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Do read them, if you
haven’t.</span><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"><b>1. The Hound of the
Baskervilles – Sir Arthur Conan Doyle</b></span><span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"> (1902)<br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvTrmf6khHhKkQBftouRkEktdFBDQ32bGRC88t3_tK1C2oxs44VneGjzn0yJuJSdJ1obrgnAR-JckZNQC_x3zDViCcJWYc_c7wOb-IzE-SsnMm-G0nKMwgfVd23tTMZ68X2_8UF49i1jk/s1600/Arthur+Conan+Doyle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvTrmf6khHhKkQBftouRkEktdFBDQ32bGRC88t3_tK1C2oxs44VneGjzn0yJuJSdJ1obrgnAR-JckZNQC_x3zDViCcJWYc_c7wOb-IzE-SsnMm-G0nKMwgfVd23tTMZ68X2_8UF49i1jk/s200/Arthur+Conan+Doyle.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">My most favourite Sherlock Holmes novel, this book is a class apart. The story
unfolds with the mysterious death of Charles Baskerville, which Holmes is asked
to investigate. The brilliant descriptions of the Baskerville estate and the
scary hound weave magic and suspense into this almost spooky thriller. The
detective’s scientific investigation makes this book an ageless classic. </span><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />
<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"><br /></span></b>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"><br /></span></b>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1VR2vGhBSL1wNtAN4dopRE6w8aQougUupEoVEUxXAr2MMgaJ07AwPBLl5PzaXSgGsm10VoGx2Xk3yss7qGKXxrylpcnZp3LHkAdUg1DxBphopICfWFZfawh4hXhJQlhD6wPgpSmxyKsY/s1600/Joseph+Conrad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="312" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1VR2vGhBSL1wNtAN4dopRE6w8aQougUupEoVEUxXAr2MMgaJ07AwPBLl5PzaXSgGsm10VoGx2Xk3yss7qGKXxrylpcnZp3LHkAdUg1DxBphopICfWFZfawh4hXhJQlhD6wPgpSmxyKsY/s200/Joseph+Conrad.jpg" width="131" /></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">2. The Secret
Agent – Joseph Conrad</span></b><span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"> (1907)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">Set in London, Conrad’s novel is an intriguing spy-thriller featuring
characters that leave an indelible impression in your mind. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">Adolf Verloc is a secret agent, who exploits his
mentally-challenged brother-in-law to execute his political goals. This is a
must-read not only for it’s exciting plot and intense storytelling, but also
for the chemistry between the characters and how a bombing impacts their lives.</span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"><br /></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpN9ZE4FasYXDyJRvnA10C4g_6sYdVff2v0VlLaPFtnJbmYef_uV1ufhiD1Y3tPhVrWmEc4aq_7bHiZ6JfuZr6WApMuTfTEipE0E4AGb9AgTNz6J8cKl6II0hmEHvL2j8WWWrLylUDjUY/s1600/Fitzgerald.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="329" data-original-width="220" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpN9ZE4FasYXDyJRvnA10C4g_6sYdVff2v0VlLaPFtnJbmYef_uV1ufhiD1Y3tPhVrWmEc4aq_7bHiZ6JfuZr6WApMuTfTEipE0E4AGb9AgTNz6J8cKl6II0hmEHvL2j8WWWrLylUDjUY/s200/Fitzgerald.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"><b>3. The Great Gatsby – F. Scott
Fitzgerald </b></span><span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">(1925)</span><br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">
Much more than a romantic thriller, The Great Gatsby centres on America in the
1920s. It explores the social history of the era, the life of the rich and
their economic prosperity, as well as organized crime. This is also a story of intense
romance, passion, betrayal, and revenge. The vivid depiction of the times and
the emotions it evokes make this an unforgettable piece of literature.</span><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"><b>4. The Murder of Roger Ackroyd
– Agatha Christie</b></span><span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">
(1926)</span></span><br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQanfv1pQ3Vmab-BIsp8xVNbLv4JzEoSDsWduZC2h4_3itpCl82aDnWIWJ7RJfXwVvwnGArx4L8sUwQnvpd0gHW0S5jJQtbv5X_KH6i7DNSTzfsRRHsSzL2JEKRLNX9PgEJQ8QirmYFDY/s1600/Agatha+Christie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1062" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQanfv1pQ3Vmab-BIsp8xVNbLv4JzEoSDsWduZC2h4_3itpCl82aDnWIWJ7RJfXwVvwnGArx4L8sUwQnvpd0gHW0S5jJQtbv5X_KH6i7DNSTzfsRRHsSzL2JEKRLNX9PgEJQ8QirmYFDY/s200/Agatha+Christie.jpg" width="132" /></a></span></span></div>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">For its fascinating storytelling, meticulous characterisation, incredible
climax, and thrilling ending, this book remains an all-time favourite and
proves again that no one can unravel a mystery like Christie. The story is
about the murder of Roger Ackroyd, a widower who was engaged to Mrs. Ferrars, a
wealthy widow. Hercule Poirot’s suave investigation and the narration by Dr. Sheppard,
Poirot’s assistant in this case, make this an exceptionally killing thriller. </span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5-T-3SsbceSeUIOYnKCtcySXGf-teMqNyOmSBkNnWUhk0R6E_Jkwtn0byoOx8BY7xWX7xnzMtRUrikZtinuMlIgFXJ-u13xgRTiCVKhvrFYggNME32n1ishyphenhyphenbYA0OfmJJOcKqUSscUPk/s1600/Dorothy+Sayers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="297" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5-T-3SsbceSeUIOYnKCtcySXGf-teMqNyOmSBkNnWUhk0R6E_Jkwtn0byoOx8BY7xWX7xnzMtRUrikZtinuMlIgFXJ-u13xgRTiCVKhvrFYggNME32n1ishyphenhyphenbYA0OfmJJOcKqUSscUPk/s200/Dorothy+Sayers.jpg" width="125" /></a></span></div>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif;"><b>5. </b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"><b>The Nine Tailors – Dorothy
L. Sayers </b></span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">(1934)</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">
A thriller that hooks you from the very first page and doesn’t let you rest
till you finish it, this is an enigmatic mystery featuring British detective
Lord Peter Wimsey. A disfigured dead-body is found in a churchyard and Wimsey
is called upon to investigate the case. This is perhaps the author’s most
intriguing novel. Mysterious letters, theft of an emerald necklace 20 years ago,
medieval church bells… all add to the thrill of this remarkable page-turner.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt "Times New Roman"; margin: 0px;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Eu0cundkxUM8qaZNNdjv_PGUG2FJJyRyzB_2JW7ADulhv-Szr3n-aN8APG3XOqG8wj03NZ4rauesjdrneCKAsJrUZ8TX9NaZ2Vynh8vtaaytuslV9FHxT6hZhlBZz7lPjWnHatsC7CU/s1600/Daphne+du+Maurier.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Eu0cundkxUM8qaZNNdjv_PGUG2FJJyRyzB_2JW7ADulhv-Szr3n-aN8APG3XOqG8wj03NZ4rauesjdrneCKAsJrUZ8TX9NaZ2Vynh8vtaaytuslV9FHxT6hZhlBZz7lPjWnHatsC7CU/s200/Daphne+du+Maurier.jpg" width="133" /></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"><br /></span></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">6. Rebecca –
Daphne Du Maurier</span></b><span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"> (1938)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">A classic Gothic novel, Rebecca is a sensational thriller about a girl who
marries Maxim, a wealthy widower. Maxim’s stunning first wife Rebecca, whom he
loved deeply, had died in a boat accident. Through the course of story, the
mystery unfolds and the girl discovers that Rebecca’s death was not merely an
accident. A poignant, unforgettable tale of love, deceit, and crime. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQOb9vO4V-oyV_EqhyphenhyphenQhsdnG5zOWp8e9ytjC2C-WPDCojZipH2z2VlSP1EA2wg3DCUFxhSrsZjVGsdcUw9jsi_iMgjCR-qR8OVVy2-aCm_F_W9txByUvhFalo1ECTiNtWqN3P2tUNUEws/s1600/Chandler.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="374" data-original-width="230" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQOb9vO4V-oyV_EqhyphenhyphenQhsdnG5zOWp8e9ytjC2C-WPDCojZipH2z2VlSP1EA2wg3DCUFxhSrsZjVGsdcUw9jsi_iMgjCR-qR8OVVy2-aCm_F_W9txByUvhFalo1ECTiNtWqN3P2tUNUEws/s200/Chandler.jpg" width="122" /></a></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">7. The Big
Sleep – Raymond Chandler</span></b><span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"> (1939)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">This classic Chandler murder-mystery stands out for its complex plot, immaculate
investigation, and menacing wisecracks by the cynical detective Philip Marlowe.
The story starts with General Sternwood seeking Marlowe’s assistance to
investigate the gambling debts of his daughter. As the story unfolds, people
are murdered in connection with the case and Marlowe realizes that there is
much more than meets the eye. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp4eptvEEebeVsAaj-PgoywLe34UtDe-t0m2jmawSzXcxB5vF6j67VrJOQrpaQBIXIGji2dfxAVqvTiht0NnhrRO8vAIgxNJfhrfffr4qGusfzXd-jebP_HB0-eN36x_AKZmLOPapeSws/s1600/Patricia+Highsmith.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1039" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp4eptvEEebeVsAaj-PgoywLe34UtDe-t0m2jmawSzXcxB5vF6j67VrJOQrpaQBIXIGji2dfxAVqvTiht0NnhrRO8vAIgxNJfhrfffr4qGusfzXd-jebP_HB0-eN36x_AKZmLOPapeSws/s200/Patricia+Highsmith.jpg" width="129" /></a><b><br /></b><br />
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<b>8</b><span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"><b>.</b><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt "Times New Roman"; margin: 0px;"><b> </b> </span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">Strangers
on the Train – Patricia Highsmith </span></b><span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">(1950)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">Highsmith takes you on an emotional roller-coaster with this psychological
thriller about two men travelling in a train. This is a taut noir novel about
an architect and a psychopath and their sinister plan of murder in exchange for
murder. <span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Full of suspense and intriguing
twists, Alfred Hitchcock made a film based on this gripping book in 1952. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkQb7FgQsiqz1M9ssGPfzjt6OTybtLWXhNNyr6xRZil7nYTYQF3sqG7Gk9dATNTU2um2xa9iShJ7U2nYM-N-hd3-ppN0CPgvTt9ctFYEIhv6xuymaiAZRv5c1j3CjntSkv3r5rctacqgI/s1600/Roald+Dahl.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="422" data-original-width="274" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkQb7FgQsiqz1M9ssGPfzjt6OTybtLWXhNNyr6xRZil7nYTYQF3sqG7Gk9dATNTU2um2xa9iShJ7U2nYM-N-hd3-ppN0CPgvTt9ctFYEIhv6xuymaiAZRv5c1j3CjntSkv3r5rctacqgI/s200/Roald+Dahl.png" width="129" /></a></div>
<b>9<span style="margin: 0px;">.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> </span></span>Lamb to
the Slaughter – Roald Dahl</b><span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"> (1953)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">While this is only a short story and not a novel, I couldn’t <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">not</b> mention this one -one of Dahl’s
finest stories. This is the tale of the shocking murder of a police officer by
his wife. The real suspense begins when Mary Maloney tries to cover up her
crime and we see streaks of a cold-blooded, shrewd killer in her. Do not miss
this one!<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-j1U09I04Kqo-ywznLAiLEPNnN94518ixspMN89hJnbAy5crz31kCKKEwX4Mrzmp5D-KE0QVoYSfrxG2jZB2UZDmQFolpopzs9Lnoq5tiCxGyeV7gTfXo81fO_0fw01oQ0BY0M33wUzE/s1600/Christie+Mirror+cracked.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-j1U09I04Kqo-ywznLAiLEPNnN94518ixspMN89hJnbAy5crz31kCKKEwX4Mrzmp5D-KE0QVoYSfrxG2jZB2UZDmQFolpopzs9Lnoq5tiCxGyeV7gTfXo81fO_0fw01oQ0BY0M33wUzE/s1600/Christie+Mirror+cracked.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"><b>10. The Mirror Crack'd from Side to Side –Agatha
Christie</b></span><span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"><b> </b>(1962)</span></span></a></span></span></span></div>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">
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<span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: black;"></span><b></b><b></b><br /></span>
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</span></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-j1U09I04Kqo-ywznLAiLEPNnN94518ixspMN89hJnbAy5crz31kCKKEwX4Mrzmp5D-KE0QVoYSfrxG2jZB2UZDmQFolpopzs9Lnoq5tiCxGyeV7gTfXo81fO_0fw01oQ0BY0M33wUzE/s1600/Christie+Mirror+cracked.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; clear: right; color: #0066cc; float: right; font-size: 18.66px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="648" data-original-width="430" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-j1U09I04Kqo-ywznLAiLEPNnN94518ixspMN89hJnbAy5crz31kCKKEwX4Mrzmp5D-KE0QVoYSfrxG2jZB2UZDmQFolpopzs9Lnoq5tiCxGyeV7gTfXo81fO_0fw01oQ0BY0M33wUzE/s200/Christie+Mirror+cracked.jpg" width="132" /></a><span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">This is again an all-time favourite, because no one weaves a mystery like
Agatha Christie. As Miss Marple investigates the death of Mrs. Badcock, who died
mysteriously while meeting her favourite film actress, a series of events lead
her to Badcock’s youth. Connecting the dots backwards, the elderly detective
unravels an appalling truth. The intricacy of the plot and the fascinating
characterisation make this a classic whodunit. </span></span></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
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Moitrayee Bhadurihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11841871041193019945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-226258516379958571.post-84612941488520446472016-07-07T19:43:00.002+05:302016-07-07T19:45:53.378+05:30Romancing the Rains...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRFiyZLAbRVXnrLlCWgRSoJtFpdxGdn2bHqzee_J48D6sYtAqcnZdNeuprMoUugInV5EVnBsdKZLsNa2DvpltXWAmN21vvR4nOX8cH_kY9G3pyi5yepAZ1Tq2lh_QUH4TCdI_dI8OtTbw/s1600/Rains.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRFiyZLAbRVXnrLlCWgRSoJtFpdxGdn2bHqzee_J48D6sYtAqcnZdNeuprMoUugInV5EVnBsdKZLsNa2DvpltXWAmN21vvR4nOX8cH_kY9G3pyi5yepAZ1Tq2lh_QUH4TCdI_dI8OtTbw/s320/Rains.jpg" width="320" /></a>What is it about the rains that makes a pluviophile's heart go a flutter? <br />
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Is it the first raindrop that lands on your head unawares till your fingers that were carelessly combing your unruly hair discover it prompting an impromptu giggle? <br />
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Is it the uncanny godliness of the fresh-earth smell that bowls you over? <br />
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Could it be the damp nose of your dog that feels drier but cooler and more lovable than usual? <br />
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Is it the shorty drizzle or the longish, plump droplets that travel faster than your shamelessly stark ogle and reach the ground?<br />
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Is it that heart-skips-a-beat feeling that brings back fond memories of your first brush with romance?<br />
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It could be a million things, or more. <br />
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I feel it is more about 'romancing the rains' rather than 'romancing in the rains'. It is like falling in love with the idea of love, not with a specific person. But then the person, even if imaginary, would be a welcome treat!<br />
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A perfect rainy day is one that allows you to laze in your den with your favorite murder-mystery, a hot cup of coffee, and your dog curled up next to you. You can listen to the sound of the rains and appreciate the magnificence from your window or balcony. And of course, you have a soulful 'raga' playing in the background. It could also be a 'ghazal' or a 'soft romantic' Arijit Singh number. Total bliss.<br />
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The perfect rainy day could also be one when you are by the sea -either at the beach or in a café, gazing at the beauty unfolding in front of your eyes. All you do is appreciate what you witness and immerse yourself in that unrestrained love.<br />
<br />
Ah well... a perfect rainy day could also be one which brings old friends or family together - a chance encounter perhaps.<br />
<br />
As your mind wonders and wanders, enjoy romancing the rains :)<br />
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Moitrayee Bhadurihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11841871041193019945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-226258516379958571.post-40868657400198166472016-06-30T18:16:00.000+05:302016-06-30T18:16:15.228+05:30How hard-hitting are betrayals?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 18.23px;">No, I am not talking about betrayals in love. How often have you been cheated by friends? Or is that also ‘cool’ these days? Regardless of how we look at it, I am sure most of us have tasted deceit in friendship at least once in life. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 18.23px;"> <u></u><u></u></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5lcLLueVhom2kxmWSmsa0N-FPwp5H14_d-aSEAx0HIJQW3CMvBRY2BuXwyl35VZqnytjFuN7QGE1vGsxoc0v_2atkZJxxYz7vF8DOFiPqrcKYDv2KM3u7VmReSTuVI7qq7xgXiOQV4EE/s1600/untitled.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5lcLLueVhom2kxmWSmsa0N-FPwp5H14_d-aSEAx0HIJQW3CMvBRY2BuXwyl35VZqnytjFuN7QGE1vGsxoc0v_2atkZJxxYz7vF8DOFiPqrcKYDv2KM3u7VmReSTuVI7qq7xgXiOQV4EE/s1600/untitled.png" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 18.23px;">Sensible people don’t waste time thinking about it. They cut off the disloyal person from their life and move on. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 18.23px;">Sensitive people sulk, write blogs, and waste a lot of time before finally accepting the fact that they have been fooled. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 18.23px;">I don’t know if I would characterize myself as sensible or sensitive. Perhaps it depends on the person and your relationship with him/her. Some betrayals make you feel bad but you ignore them as they don’t matter. Others might leave you angry, upset, irritated, or shocked.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 18.23px;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 18.23px;">The worst kind of betrayal is that which comes from someone who has mastered the art of pretence. You will be ignorant of the skilful way the ‘friend’ will extract information from you and use it to suit their interests. While you trust the person in good faith, you will have no clue what they are up to behind your back!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 18.23px;"><u></u><u></u></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 18.23px;">The reveal will shock you and the puzzle will look impossible. When you see your friend enjoying the exact opposite things they swore to you they abhor, don’t be surprised. This is just the beginning. You will soon find them hanging out with the people they said were in their ‘hate’ list.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 18.23px;"><u></u><u></u></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 18.23px;">Then you need to stir your memory bank a bit so as to allow it to replay some incidents that had irked you when they had occurred. For instance, once upon a time, this person had relentlessly cajoled you to badmouth people they claimed they hated (the same people they have befriended now)! You thank God now that you had refused to utter anything negative back then.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 18.23px;">If that is not enough, your so-called friend will try to sweet-talk you into something again, unaware that his/her true colours have been revealed to you. If you ignore, s/he will sever ties with you and make it look like you broke the bond!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 18.23px;">Be patient. Your puzzle pieces will come together.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 18.23px;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 18.23px;">So, next time before you make the statement - “My friend XYZ can never do that,” think again. As the saying goes: “Never say never.”</span><br />
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Moitrayee Bhadurihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11841871041193019945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-226258516379958571.post-71424820534620237812016-03-01T21:42:00.000+05:302016-03-01T21:45:11.501+05:30The Challenges of Being 'One Book' Old!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwh3gtlo-_7zAqjai8GdvSRk97NB_7ac1s23sIGAjSI1Hxz9ulTntQ5rv1UNvvkLfyqz4UESXmvf12ZA0oJ5hgFg4r9abY6adaLXe3ECW9tiKS8RPK7zi-y89a7tpeEE5Qaw-gbbGFNdE/s1600/The+Sinister+Silence_book+cover_front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwh3gtlo-_7zAqjai8GdvSRk97NB_7ac1s23sIGAjSI1Hxz9ulTntQ5rv1UNvvkLfyqz4UESXmvf12ZA0oJ5hgFg4r9abY6adaLXe3ECW9tiKS8RPK7zi-y89a7tpeEE5Qaw-gbbGFNdE/s200/The+Sinister+Silence_book+cover_front.jpg" width="135" /></a><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Before my first book <i><a href="http://www.amazon.in/Sinister-Silence-Moitrayee-Bhaduri/dp/9382665552/" target="_blank"><b>The Sinister Silence</b></a></i> was published (my second isn’t
out yet!), my goal was to ‘get published’. Like Arjuna who focused on the ‘bird's eye’ with single-minded resolve, my aim was to get ‘published’. </span></span><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It was a gruelling
process and in one of my earlier blog posts, I recounted my </span><a href="http://itsmyworld-moitrayee.blogspot.in/2015/06/writer-to-author-long-journey.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>journey from writer to author</b></span></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> .</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">However like most first-time authors, I realized that once you are published,
your challenge has only begun. Here's why!</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span><br />
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>1. Managing
expectations</b> – If people have liked your book, your next book must be even
better. It is a writer’s responsibility to challenge herself to come up with a
better second book. So, keep writing, come what may!</span></span></span></div>
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">
</span><div style="color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 9pt; margin-top: 0cm; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>2. Managing
distractions</b> – Authors are tempted to google their names, check Amazon rankings
every now and then, stay ‘social’ and connect with readers. This may get tiring
after a while. Remember: A writer’s mind needs to be fresh so that new ideas can reside
there. </span></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>3. Keeping
up the momentum</b> – A book launch or reading is not enough! You have to keep at
it, generate interest among readers in multiple ways all the time!</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiqhJy5HC3r7ViXcpzm4fQj9e_hBJhIRmQs8i_rZpVimQNKxpQJvbApe22ig_Xw0dekSQAMjtddFgokurtY4xHLG73uaKsUpWGv-zgq-R4QrL_B3jSQU3HWOyRFfseZrPw3GevcmpWRHM/s1600/DSC_0291.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiqhJy5HC3r7ViXcpzm4fQj9e_hBJhIRmQs8i_rZpVimQNKxpQJvbApe22ig_Xw0dekSQAMjtddFgokurtY4xHLG73uaKsUpWGv-zgq-R4QrL_B3jSQU3HWOyRFfseZrPw3GevcmpWRHM/s1600/DSC_0291.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiqhJy5HC3r7ViXcpzm4fQj9e_hBJhIRmQs8i_rZpVimQNKxpQJvbApe22ig_Xw0dekSQAMjtddFgokurtY4xHLG73uaKsUpWGv-zgq-R4QrL_B3jSQU3HWOyRFfseZrPw3GevcmpWRHM/s320/DSC_0291.JPG" width="320" /></a><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>4. Online
visibility </b>– Thanks to technology, people don’t just buy books from
physical bookstores anymore. The online community is overflowing with activity – people
buy online all the time. So staying visible online – real-time –
becomes important. But a writer can’t always do that. You need to write - remember?</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>5. Book reviews</b>
– Getting a professional to review your book is another challenge. The
number of authors getting published is increasing every day. Ditto with
the number of reviewers. There is also the option of subscribing to 'review packages'. I am not comfortable paying money to get my book reviewed. But then, it works well for some authors, which is good. So those who don’t opt for ‘paid reviews’, don’t get XX
number of reviews to showcase on social media. So, you have lost a certain percentage of audience there too!</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>6. Review on Goodreads</b>
– Unlike Amazon or Flipkart, the reviews listed at Goodreads are not
necessarily from people who have purchased a book through an online store.
Anyone with a Goodreads account can randomly rate/review a book. Someone may just dismiss your labour-of-love with a 'one rating' even if they haven't read it! So new authors - please don't lose sleep over reader ratings :). However, Goodreads is a nice place to be for those who love reading and enjoy maintaining reading lists.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT4iHv6qDN6VFfau98unNmkmh6bgE8xwJapXZybklDHf4hvsWI4Ejpw9es_5nyzFo3CRmB_ULtErLA2aeM4l9D8xPnPwdZ8Tr37-a8Sj8s4WZTAZq5GmKd8dmaS5wSt664UNDnQzVkrMk/s1600/DSC_0137.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT4iHv6qDN6VFfau98unNmkmh6bgE8xwJapXZybklDHf4hvsWI4Ejpw9es_5nyzFo3CRmB_ULtErLA2aeM4l9D8xPnPwdZ8Tr37-a8Sj8s4WZTAZq5GmKd8dmaS5wSt664UNDnQzVkrMk/s320/DSC_0137.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>7. Building your brand</b> – Attending book-readings, talks, events etc. and interacting with people to increase your reader-base is important, especially if you are only a-book-old. If events are not possible offline, authors can also organize such events online. The challenge is that you will need to invest a lot of time from your daily schedule for such activities. Rome was not built in a day, you see!</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>8. Active blogging</b> – is important to stay 'alive' in your reader’s mind. The curiosity around the book will die down a few months after the book release. To stay connected with your readers, you need to stay in touch through your writing.</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>9. Time management</b> – This is crucial, especially if you already have a day job. To market your book, schedule promotions, and interact with readers while at your full-time job is no mean feat. Plan your time and time your plan. Set goals with deadlines. </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicDf9Q4VpCVBPuDGOvp3J4vUqhYDnAGy_uNhHwuDTPu-fsUdRUKKNlZ4vQZcJ7yAm-dZiz_O5bLbOFiZxFYzskwQ8dAqR6AeSk9cxAHM7YyQEjrWWr_RtMPkOXBrV1-z1UwjKUIIag63s/s1600/DSC_0293.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicDf9Q4VpCVBPuDGOvp3J4vUqhYDnAGy_uNhHwuDTPu-fsUdRUKKNlZ4vQZcJ7yAm-dZiz_O5bLbOFiZxFYzskwQ8dAqR6AeSk9cxAHM7YyQEjrWWr_RtMPkOXBrV1-z1UwjKUIIag63s/s320/DSC_0293.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>10. Writing your next book</b> – This is THE most important thing to do if you want to live the life of an author. To seclude yourself and continue writing amid all the distractions, temptations, and book promotions is a tough call. Nevertheless, like Arjuna again – the focus should be unwavering. A writer needs to write - that's the core requirement.
That is your
true calling.</span></span></div>
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Moitrayee Bhadurihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11841871041193019945noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-226258516379958571.post-85445816502592416952015-08-20T18:40:00.000+05:302015-11-05T15:44:52.015+05:30Fictional Detectives of the 21st Century<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">When we think 'fictional detectives', we usually have legends like
Sherlock Holmes or Byomkesh Bakshi in mind. Needless to say, we will
continue to revere them for centuries to come. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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However, in this digital age, is there a new fictional detective who makes your
crime-thriller unputdownable? </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Quite a few names have been gaining
popularity in the world of crime fiction since the late 20th century. </span></div>
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1.<b> Cormoran Strike: </b>Private detective Strike made his debut in <b>Robert
Galbraith</b> aka J.K Rowling's ‘The Cuckoo’s Calling’ in 2013 and
soon became a popular name among mystery lovers across the world. 'The
Silkworm’, where Strike was called upon to investigate the mysterious
murder of a novelist was a runaway hit too. His third case - 'A Career of
Evil' is slated for an October 2015 release.<o:p></o:p><br />
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2. <b>Galileo:</b> A Physics Professor with an uncanny
ability to crack impossible cases, Detective Galileo was introduced in the
brilliant suspense thriller – ‘The Devotion of Suspect X’ (English version
published in 2011). Brainchild of the Japanese author <b>Keigo Higashino</b>,
the Galileo novels are racy, gripping, and unputdownable.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">3. <b>Kay Scarpetta: </b>The keenly observant Scarpetta
debuted with <b>Patricia Cornwell</b>’s ‘Postmortem’ in 1990. This
Italian sleuth started her career as a chief medical examiner and later became
a private forensic consultant. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">‘The Depraved Heart’ (2015) is the latest
Scarpetta novel with cutting-edge forensic investigations.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">4. <b>Alex Cross</b> – Like Scarpetta, psychologist<b> </b>and
Police Detective, Afro-American Alex Cross is also not a new name in the detective
world. Introduced in <b>James Patterson</b>’s ‘Along Came a Spider’ in
1993, Cross is highly intelligent, compassionate, and known for his ill luck
with women. Watch out for his latest book ‘Hope to Die’ (2015)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">5. <b>John Rebus: </b>Detective Inspector John Rebus is <b>Ian
Ranklin</b>’s creation, first seen in ‘Knots and Crosses’ (1987). The
unconventional lifestyle and pessimistic attitude added to Rebus’ charm. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Though
Ranklin announced Rebus’ retirement in ‘Saints of the Shadow Bible’ (2013), the
Scottish Inspector continues to be hugely popular.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHxqaqyZ5tyIzzmQsjMwwL3wdAZv7DIZC0TrRLvoFBy2TXEjEQF2GkZPtUjtm5sprRYOmczrLYw1Dr-Z55CJ5XiExUt0iHmNAypsbZ5ChKT3kGqV-ih54xL3ouyoKUHj_uAFhAnkLQpLQ/s1600/Elizabeth+George_Inspector+Lynley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHxqaqyZ5tyIzzmQsjMwwL3wdAZv7DIZC0TrRLvoFBy2TXEjEQF2GkZPtUjtm5sprRYOmczrLYw1Dr-Z55CJ5XiExUt0iHmNAypsbZ5ChKT3kGqV-ih54xL3ouyoKUHj_uAFhAnkLQpLQ/s200/Elizabeth+George_Inspector+Lynley.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">6. <b>Thomas Lynley:</b> Created by the American author <b>Elizabeth
George</b>, British detective Inspector Lynley first appeared in 1988 in a
novel titled ‘A Great Deliverance’. Several of Lynley’s mysteries were adapted
into a TV series. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">‘A Banquet of Consequences’ (2015) is the latest addition to
the Lynley mystery series.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">7. Mitin Mashi: </b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Created by the versatile </span><b style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Suchitra
Bhattacharya</b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">, Indian detective Pragya Paromita, better known as Mitin Mashi
made her debut in the Bengali novel ‘</span><i style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Palabar Path Nei</i><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">’. Mitin is a 21</span><sup style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">st</sup><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"> century
young, inquisitive detective, who solves complex mysteries along with Tupur,
her niece. Some of her super-hit stories like ‘Arakiel Diamond’ have been
translated into English. With Bhattacharya’s untimely demise, it is unfortunate
that we won’t get to read any new books on Mitin Mashi.</span></div>
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8. <b>Vish Puri: </b>In 2009, English writer <b>Tarquin Hall</b> created
Vish Puri, the most private investigator in India. Set in India, ‘The Case of
the Missing Servant’ is the first book in the Vish Puri series and establishes
our protagonist as an old-fashioned, methodical, and quick-witted Punjabi
detective. The other books in the Vish Puri series are equally engaging and have earned critical acclaim.</div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-9fuwp0o_4U_NoOh5sPA-_e3Bys1ZISrm5VQLQDa3uw1rWNPNLSbqU2cYPpIqjN_2Y9du2NAkkXHNsKiB8tZUXnDXFp3k88rP-td4YDfrJW0JiVKyuUQ7cDIE43VwTDls6Dhn2H06gAU/s1600/DA+Mishani_+Avraham.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="119" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-9fuwp0o_4U_NoOh5sPA-_e3Bys1ZISrm5VQLQDa3uw1rWNPNLSbqU2cYPpIqjN_2Y9du2NAkkXHNsKiB8tZUXnDXFp3k88rP-td4YDfrJW0JiVKyuUQ7cDIE43VwTDls6Dhn2H06gAU/s200/DA+Mishani_+Avraham.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">9. <b>Avraham: </b>Crime writer <b>Dror. A Mishani</b>'s ‘The
Missing File’ (first published in Hebrew in 2011) introduced Israeli Police
Inspector Avraham to readers. Exceptional attention to detail and compelling
characterization resulted in the growing popularity of the Avraham crime
series. ‘The Man Who Wanted to Know’ is Mishani's latest Avraham novel. (The English version will only be available in 2016).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">10. </span><b style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Niki Marwah:</b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"> Indian author </span><b style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Swati Kaushal</b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"> created
the character of Niki Marwah in her crime thriller titled ‘Drop Dead’ (2012). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Police Detective Marwah is daring, rebellious, and has featured in two
fast-paced murder mysteries until now.</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Moitrayee Bhadurihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11841871041193019945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-226258516379958571.post-51969568630883162732015-06-10T19:13:00.000+05:302015-06-11T13:12:08.602+05:30Writer to Author - A Continuous Journey!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Baby Steps<br />
</span></b><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">When
I started writing my book <em><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Sinister-Silence/1513422098905952?ref=hl" target="_blank"><strong>The Sinister Silence</strong></a></span></em>, I had titled it <em><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">Silenced</span></em>. I had intended to write a love
story. However, I do not remember exactly when I started to kill some of my
characters. At the risk of sounding sadistic, I admit that I enjoyed the
process. Soon after, I was writing a murder mystery. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Plot and Characterization<br />
</span></b><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">I
was happy with my writing – it transported me to a world of my own. I could set
my own rules or decide against any, my characters conducted themselves the way
I wanted. If they acted up, I let them. As I explored them more, especially my
protagonists, I had a better understanding of their expectations from me. I did
not need to put everything I knew about them in my book. Nevertheless, getting
to know them was a refreshingly novel experience.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwGoA7ngj7Fs7gfoZW1vNWNUm_jTLH83G-bRDunUVb-pyG_yQ1FQWmY8JX-sZpykud6VmQ3y263755CZQ3J7uVEDJ49McExCfdllWLgzbakvavlbOnfBLB2oQ3P6DEhKdxv9uUCet-vlI/s1600/man_in_the_office.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwGoA7ngj7Fs7gfoZW1vNWNUm_jTLH83G-bRDunUVb-pyG_yQ1FQWmY8JX-sZpykud6VmQ3y263755CZQ3J7uVEDJ49McExCfdllWLgzbakvavlbOnfBLB2oQ3P6DEhKdxv9uUCet-vlI/s200/man_in_the_office.jpg" width="200" /></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Edit, Edit, Edit<br />
</span></b><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">When
I finally completed writing, I was thrilled. I started editing my book and in
the process, there were several cuts and omissions. I requested my family and a
couple of close friends to read the book too. Receiving different perspectives
on the same book was a HUGE learning experience. I loved the fact that my
characters had behaved differently with different readers </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 10pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Verdana; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Verdana; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><strong>Get Published</strong><br />I knew what
the next logical step was - to get published. All that I needed to do was to send
my manuscript to publishers. Once selected, I would see my name in print in the
following two or three months. </span><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Ah - wake
up, my inner voice nudged. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBmpoAtKuG0CC4P4ivKaNiHCWKE4XOiCy4Xyu9Dovo_m5uoq4JFSm9WqI7mIM0F1ESZVkmxJxGTyL1jCUOupl-tMojmQKrEBnhO1CdMiFdH8TKdUhlUutbi4xv1qozfr0VuzHtXXaXuak/s1600/smile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBmpoAtKuG0CC4P4ivKaNiHCWKE4XOiCy4Xyu9Dovo_m5uoq4JFSm9WqI7mIM0F1ESZVkmxJxGTyL1jCUOupl-tMojmQKrEBnhO1CdMiFdH8TKdUhlUutbi4xv1qozfr0VuzHtXXaXuak/s200/smile.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Just the Beginning<br />
</span></b><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">As I
initiated the process, I realized that writing is one thing. But getting
published is a different ballgame altogether. Simply writing your book is not
enough. You need to familiarise yourself with writing impactful query letters, taut
book synopses, and engaging sample chapters – and neatly stitch them together
in a book proposal. Some publishers will only accept submissions via literary
agents – so factor that in too. All in all, if you are a greenhorn in the
publishing industry, you have to invest time in research, learning, and
unlearning. Gradually, you will evolve through trial and error. There is no shortcut
to getting your book published. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiERY_qVXzJVWnslInw4JGqOILoRcqg7084kRixsqY-GvLljXMU-r7bqGs4fQFHuKYn863Ea55hm0xijgejCpuSowsCCupX4KiyfWudvz9_LOgbGIYOhCcjfHTuLluE4TOK2DlGuJkOu4E/s1600/Just+Write.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiERY_qVXzJVWnslInw4JGqOILoRcqg7084kRixsqY-GvLljXMU-r7bqGs4fQFHuKYn863Ea55hm0xijgejCpuSowsCCupX4KiyfWudvz9_LOgbGIYOhCcjfHTuLluE4TOK2DlGuJkOu4E/s320/Just+Write.jpg" width="177" /></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Never Stop Writing<br />
</span></b><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Once
you set the ball rolling, do not put your life on pause. Meet friends, interact
with people, and if possible – get started with your next book. If not, at
least write 250-500 words every day. You do not need to share with anyone – but
just write for yourself. When writers are in the process of becoming authors,
sometimes, they give up writing… because they are waiting to get published. I
did that too and it is a horrible thing to do!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">The more
time you spend away from writing, the double the time and effort you will need
to get back to it. If the writer’s block is real bad, at least stick to
reading.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Be Patient<br />
</span></b><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">The
getting-the-right-publisher process may take months…sometimes years. It is
tedious and sometimes heart-breaking. But never give up and never lose faith in
your ability to write. Even though
this sounds clichéd – when there is a will, there is always a way. </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Just stay calm and keep writing.</span></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">My book <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Sinister-Silence/1513422098905952?ref=hl" target="_blank">The Sinister Silence</a></i></b> will be published in November 2015.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span> </div>
Moitrayee Bhadurihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11841871041193019945noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-226258516379958571.post-53574986065433185882015-02-24T17:03:00.000+05:302015-02-24T17:03:35.193+05:30Some not-so-good days!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I would have liked my first post of 2015 to have been happier and livelier. But I guess writers have their bad days too, which may not be related to writing. The ideal thing to do during those times is to lie low and sharpen your claws. Hibernating is important when you want to bounce back all energized and positive. When you are spending time with yourself, one or more of the following work wonders.<br />
<br />
1. <strong>A good book</strong>: Always have a good book by your side, for all days...good and bad. On good days, they will make you happier. On bad days, they will uplift your spirits. Some people prefer reading the same book over and over, especially on days they don't feel sunny. That works! For me, a Paulo Coelho book should be within reach, whether I am at home or travelling. Currently, I also have a very interesting 'The Constant Art of Being a Writer' by N.M Kelby with me. It lists some simple, yet detailed steps to becoming the writer you want to be. These kind of books discipline you when bad days distract you.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBoAzGtixt1QGO6AUAPcXYFXNGPsZ0znbGjX66Ny7rVssx488uQ-l1_Z3aM2Ns-J20HJsCrsA4vlm9Yf-1_Ex4s0V7mxOr8RGBaa4hfNr2dQVUfm-HDcXO93Cz0USQTb670BAtOO1HU4k/s1600/loveydovey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBoAzGtixt1QGO6AUAPcXYFXNGPsZ0znbGjX66Ny7rVssx488uQ-l1_Z3aM2Ns-J20HJsCrsA4vlm9Yf-1_Ex4s0V7mxOr8RGBaa4hfNr2dQVUfm-HDcXO93Cz0USQTb670BAtOO1HU4k/s1600/loveydovey.jpg" height="128" width="200" /></a>2. <strong>A soulful song</strong>: Whether you can sing well or not is irrelevant. In school, we used to sing a lovely song in Class I. The lines go like this:<br />
<em>Every body has a song</em><br />
<em>Every body can sing</em><br />
<em>All you have to do is try</em><br />
<em>Even rusty bells ring</em><br />
Then further referring to the throat are the lines: <em>Set it free now, let it be now, sing a song to me.</em><br />
A good song often spoils a bad day and I just love that. <br />
<br />
3. <strong>A notepad and pen</strong>: Doesn't matter what you write but when you let your thoughts flow freely, it is liberating and often helps you accept the situation you are in and plan 'what next'. You can stay distracted for a bit by surfing the Internet, but the bugs will be back to bite you when you are offline. As opposed to that, the notepad and pen will eagerly await your story, whenever you are ready.<br />
<br />
4. <strong>A gooey chocolate</strong>: It has an immediate effect on the mind, the heart, the soul. It boosts your sugar levels. So unless you are diabetic, a chocolate or a chocolateyy pastry or icecream is highly recommended. Even people who don't like chocolates have felt good after eating one during their bad/sad day. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiqhJy5HC3r7ViXcpzm4fQj9e_hBJhIRmQs8i_rZpVimQNKxpQJvbApe22ig_Xw0dekSQAMjtddFgokurtY4xHLG73uaKsUpWGv-zgq-R4QrL_B3jSQU3HWOyRFfseZrPw3GevcmpWRHM/s1600/DSC_0291.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiqhJy5HC3r7ViXcpzm4fQj9e_hBJhIRmQs8i_rZpVimQNKxpQJvbApe22ig_Xw0dekSQAMjtddFgokurtY4xHLG73uaKsUpWGv-zgq-R4QrL_B3jSQU3HWOyRFfseZrPw3GevcmpWRHM/s1600/DSC_0291.JPG" height="132" width="200" /></a>5. <strong>A brisk walk</strong>: Even better if you are able to run. Just enjoy the beauty of the nature. Once in a while blink when you appreciate something...like the sunset, a unique leaf or flower, a happy bird...anything. Closing your eyes for a fraction of a second will help you capture the moment in your mind's camera. Don't try this if your mood is sour due to high fever or any physical ailment. <br />
</div>
Moitrayee Bhadurihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11841871041193019945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-226258516379958571.post-85773979048822955912014-12-23T12:50:00.000+05:302014-12-23T13:10:35.556+05:30PK Disappoints<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Film Review: PK<br />
Cast: Aamir Khan, Anushka Sharma, Sushant Singh Rajput, Boman Irani<br />
Directed By: Rajkumar Hirani<br />
Music: Shantanu Moitra and others<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">
</span><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">M</span>ost people who
appreciate meaningful cinema were looking forward to PK. But PK falls flat. Aamir
Khan disappoints. Raju Hirani disappoints.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">The movie
started on an innovative note and I liked the concept that Aamir Khan was
playing the role of an alien. But then… what happened to the script after that?
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Those who have
watched ‘Oh My God’ will find PK rather dull. PK makes a mockery of some
religious leaders, which I must admit is quite hilarious. We enjoy a laugh or
two. But that’s not all. PK goes a step further and starts a subtle attack on
select religions. That is upsetting because the movie stars a sensibly
sensitive creative genius like Aamir Khan. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">India is a
tolerant nation. We Indians tolerate ludicrous religious extremism, ghastly terrorist
attacks, violence against children, and more. So, we tolerate this nonsensical
movie too! Incidentally, there was no reference to terrorist attacks in the
name of religion! But the last thing we needed was the glorification of the
Pakistan embassy!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">I wonder why
the reference to ‘the letter’ was traced back to the failure of the fraud swami
(I cannot remember his very forgettable name…sorry!). After all, it was just a
misunderstanding between two adults in love. No? Why did we need to attach a
religious tinge to it? </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">For someone who
keeps the country together with the powerful <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Satyameva Jayate</i>, what was PK? A boring, biased, and mindless saga
of a confused alien?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Next time, just
the names Aamir Khan or Raju Hirani on the posters may not motivate me to buy movie
tickets. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Kya pata, PK banaya hoga!</i></span></div>
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div>
</div>
Moitrayee Bhadurihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11841871041193019945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-226258516379958571.post-40659166309720059372014-11-10T15:38:00.001+05:302014-11-10T15:40:54.310+05:30Where are the clouds?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Once upon a time<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Last month, on my
flight back from Bangalore, I was happy that finally the sky was clear. It was
a treat for my eyes to witness the white clouds floating all over the sky. I focused
on one cloud. It looked like a mighty giant right out of a fairy tale. I smiled
and moved on to another one. This one looked like a lion with its mouth wide
open, ready to pounce upon its prey. The third cloud that attracted me was a
longer one. It gave an impression that a child with long hair was looking at a
computer screen and laughing hysterically. It automatically made me smile. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“The captain has switched off the seat belt
sign. You can now use your laptops and electronic devices. Please keep your
mobile phone in the switch off or airplane mode only”,</i> the lead cabin
attendant announced. I unfastened my seat belt and fetched my laptop. As I
opened my word document and got ready to resume work on my white paper, I
looked outside the window once more. I did not see that happy child anymore. I
had entered my own world of cloud.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">The new age cloud <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Today, technology
trends such as cloud, social media, digitalization, mobile, and analytics are
not just giving a face-lift to computing, they are reshaping our imagination
too. When we say ‘cloud’, we do not necessarily mean ‘the clouds in the sky’!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are talking technology, 90% of the time,
especially if we are sitting inside the meeting room of an IT organization. It
is a fact that looking at the increasing technological complexities today, most
organizations are looking at solutions like cloud computing to handle their data
management needs. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">What is Cloud Computing?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">In simple terms, cloud
computing is a technology that allows you to create a network of a large number
of remote servers over the Internet. Using this network, you can share
data-processing tasks, have a centralized data storage system, and access your
data on the go. In other words, you can manage your data per your needs, real
time, without being dependent on a local server. Magical, isn’t it? While
working on an important assignment last week, my colleague had forgotten to email
the file to her client before leaving office. She had saved it in her laptop.
On her way home, while sitting in a crowded public bus, she was able to send
it. All she did was use the ‘One Drive’ feature on her smart phone. She not
only accessed the file, but also reviewed it once more before sending it to her
client. Her 3G speed was good, which made the process simpler. She did not
panic for a trifle second. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">So, if individuals like
you and me can reap the benefits of cloud computing, imagine the advantages
that organizations can derive! Amazon, Google, Microsoft, Facebook etc. make
the most of Public Cloud to process piles of data every second. Companies like
IBM, HP and others are offering cloud based analytic services and more to
millions of customers across the world. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><strong>On the flip side </strong></span></o:p></span></div>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Not
all organizations or applications may benefit from cloud computing. Cloud needs
network connections to work. If there are recurrent outage issues with your Internet
connection, cloud computing would not be advisable. Also, security threats
cannot be ruled out. Despite data security systems being robust, you should not
store confidential information on cloud. Providers cannot guarantee that the
networks are 100% secure. If your email account is hacked, that can be a threat
to your business data stored on cloud. There may be cost and compatibility
issues also. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><strong>Is there a ‘Happily Ever After’?</strong></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Cloud is among
the most popular metaphors for the Internet and is here to stay. But perhaps, what is
important is to shut down that laptop or smart phone once in a while and look
outside the window. Take a deep breath, get a glimpse of the clouds in the sky
and set your imagination free. Technology will evolve and cloud computing will
be replaced by a newer version tomorrow. But those natural beauties flying in
the sky – they will keep your hopes alive in a ‘happily ever after’. </span></div>
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Moitrayee Bhadurihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11841871041193019945noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-226258516379958571.post-37703269385371264002014-10-16T14:19:00.000+05:302014-10-16T14:21:00.818+05:30Yearning to Write<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Writing is an art</b>. Not all great
writers are born with a natural flair for writing. How do they
develop the skill then? In a creative writing course, I attended a couple of
years back, I learned the first simple rule – <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Always write for yourself</b>. There will always be like-minded people
who will like what you write. Similarly, there will always be those who will
not. If you try to please others, you will never be able to develop your own
writing style. It is almost like singing. I have often heard successful singers
say that they sing to satisfy their own soul. That is true of any art form
actually. Don’t we love artists who are in love with their art? <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Reading</b> also helps writing. The
more you read, the more you think, imagine, and adopt. If it is a childhood
habit, even better. But does that mean people who do not read don’t make good
writers? Certainly not. I know of a few fantastic writers who don’t enjoy
reading. But they write for themselves, uninhibited. They are observant,
creative, and knowledgeable. Someone who doesn’t read much may enjoy
music, audio books, travel, movies, sitcoms, social interactions, and more. A
writer can explore limitless possibilities and write through experiences. Again,
all voracious readers do not necessarily like writing. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Writing connects you to yourself</b>.
Regardless of place, situation, or state of mind, writers always have a friend
in their pen. Each new write-up helps the writer open up a wee bit more. The
more we write, the more we get a glimpse of our soul, our inner self. Every
writer has faced this situation at least once in their lifetime: I sit to write
on a particular topic and start with the best of intentions. But I end up writing
about something I had never imagined. Commercially, it may be a waste of time if
I was being paid for that particular piece. But then, I discovered a part of
me, in the process. Impromptu write-ups are precious, no matter how meaningless
they may seem at that moment. <br />
<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Writers have their own world</b>.
Writing keeps them passionate and self-motivated. Some writers like to write in the open, and get inspiration from the nature. Some like locking themselves up in a room when they write. There are annoying 'writer’s
block' phases, but there are also happy 'writer’s delight' phases. Usually a
delight phase is preceded by a block phase. <br />
<br />
Writers are always cultivating
their skill, even when they are not writing. Watch out ;)<br />
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Moitrayee Bhadurihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11841871041193019945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-226258516379958571.post-479452887820013572014-09-23T11:00:00.000+05:302014-09-24T13:37:32.496+05:30Europe Calling!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">2014 has been tough. Dealing with the departure of loved
ones never happens. Perhaps it takes a lifetime. There were some sparkles of
joy amid the tough times. The European vacation was one such breath of fresh
air. I am writing this post to keep an account of the fact that we made our first trip to Europe in 2014. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoVBR_ebsSVh5x43EcaI56EFwjJSizzv1o5kt2NDRJPZVhHrzwAIDBFGsenfFKpB9b8gudjUc1M89SaDFx3RSf2_qHIi_IJ_P9iJ99lzrq8V30_GxD1WBTPYgEhGIW16m11hgEGFyVwm8/s1600/20140813_104608.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoVBR_ebsSVh5x43EcaI56EFwjJSizzv1o5kt2NDRJPZVhHrzwAIDBFGsenfFKpB9b8gudjUc1M89SaDFx3RSf2_qHIi_IJ_P9iJ99lzrq8V30_GxD1WBTPYgEhGIW16m11hgEGFyVwm8/s1600/20140813_104608.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trinity College, University of Oxford</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We travelled to three destinations – London, Paris, and
Switzerland over 13 days. Thanks to Kesari Travels for organizing such a
wonderful tour and sending such an amazing tour manager like Mr. Kedar Billay with us. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">My
mom always wanted to visit Switzerland and she was thrilled when we reached her dream destination. My husband on the other hand wanted to spend time loitering around the streets of Paris. He did it too. And I had my heart set on London - especially as I wanted to visit the University of Oxford. Done :)</span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYjPfvf47xtscuT2Rsqm0pmbYdTBUViyXfjdLJoWqwDCzrvOgWlyujgDtLrQGxilvNtWe1sbIbQHW4A22ywTl7VTug82RJniK6UoZSjc9WdA76hSFy-WWLmQjeEocLTz9Nhyphenhyphen2tdAyj2Cw/s1600/20140815_114727.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYjPfvf47xtscuT2Rsqm0pmbYdTBUViyXfjdLJoWqwDCzrvOgWlyujgDtLrQGxilvNtWe1sbIbQHW4A22ywTl7VTug82RJniK6UoZSjc9WdA76hSFy-WWLmQjeEocLTz9Nhyphenhyphen2tdAyj2Cw/s1600/20140815_114727.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside Louvre Museum, Paris</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Though it is difficult to choose between any of the three destinations, I would say I loved Switzerland the most. It may be because we spent the maximum number of days there. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">While the Trafalgar Square in London is amazing and nothing beats the Paris Eiffel tower, Switzerland is like a dream. Heaven. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I haven’t been to Kashmir but now I know
what they call it the Kashmir of Europe. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">While we were on a cruise on Lake Geneva, the tour guide told us an interesting
story that left me in awe. Am sure aspiring authors would be inspired by this story. </span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvDc5B3RymnAYhFpD45EcfA-sEQ8JmRf8IJq1k84mlfgZOHgGfM4P0Jt8xuWihEyzFA6NfdQuEaQ-yOEiLUq7btryflRCldzRotQqPRlje36Es_TrSTFPKrIMxDVkbpxfaga2Evoz71ls/s1600/20140821_184744.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvDc5B3RymnAYhFpD45EcfA-sEQ8JmRf8IJq1k84mlfgZOHgGfM4P0Jt8xuWihEyzFA6NfdQuEaQ-yOEiLUq7btryflRCldzRotQqPRlje36Es_TrSTFPKrIMxDVkbpxfaga2Evoz71ls/s1600/20140821_184744.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lake Geneva, Switzerland</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Story synopsis: Sometime in the 19th century, the famous P.B Shelley and his wife Mary were on a holiday with Lord Byron and his wife in Villa Diodati, near Lake Geneva, Switzerland. The weather was too stormy and none of them could go for any outdoor activity. Since they had no option but to stay inside the house, Lord Byron suggested that to keep boredom at bay, each of them write a horror story. Nobody took Mary seriously as she was a novice amid the great literary stalwarts. Mary was just 19 and took up the challenge to pen her story on that rainy night. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Guess what story she came up with? She created <strong>Frankenstein</strong>. The rest is history. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_sFFuyyOnEzUhAe2ueseYEDdp_womoBreYtg5FJ2ZXNMnYKwOhXGr4QrkJYbr3xsWOw5dM8R7Bx6eVcxoClk5uf5D6Tfzg-AL6e-aG48CVWcAVy6jiCYYGPU1_MW_qBYweSpDrB43AG4/s1600/20140820_134159.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_sFFuyyOnEzUhAe2ueseYEDdp_womoBreYtg5FJ2ZXNMnYKwOhXGr4QrkJYbr3xsWOw5dM8R7Bx6eVcxoClk5uf5D6Tfzg-AL6e-aG48CVWcAVy6jiCYYGPU1_MW_qBYweSpDrB43AG4/s1600/20140820_134159.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jungfraujoch, Switzerland</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Surprisingly, all through this trip, I had my favourite author Paulo Coelho's new book 'Adultery' in mind. When will I get to read it, would it be better than his previous books... I had been wondering. The book had not yet been released in India at that time. I knew I would pick it up as soon as I was back in Mumbai. When I finally got hold of the book a couple of weeks back, I was pleasantly surprised to find that the story is set in Geneva! Coelho also mentions about Mary Shelley and Frankenstein in this book!! Besides, currently, Coelho is residing in
Geneva! It was a wonderful connect though I was a little upset that I didn't know he was in Geneva when I visited. I feel good thinking I breathed the same air he did for a day at least. Simple joys of life :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have to go back to Europe again – to explore the
English countryside and spend some more time in London and Paris. Besides, I have always wanted to visit Eastern Europe. I want to travel there, live there, and just enjoy the coffee there. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Till then, I wish all my friends a Happy Mahalaya and a wonderfully fulfilling Durga Puja. May all your dreams come true. Stay blessed. </span></div>
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Moitrayee Bhadurihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11841871041193019945noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-226258516379958571.post-59753422344972187792014-09-08T18:30:00.000+05:302014-09-12T11:29:35.265+05:30My Friend Ganesha!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Ever since
childhood, I have been fond of God even though I am not particularly religious. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">A</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">s a child,
my favorite Goddess was Saraswati. Fasting for the Saraswati Puja every year used
to be very exciting. It hardly had a religious connotation. I would get to wear a
sari, have yummy <em>narkel kul</em> and <em>topa kul</em> (perhaps called Jujube fruit in
English), and use <em>doat- kolom</em> to write the Saraswati mantra on coconut leaf.
The best thing about Saraswati puja was that by 8 am the puja would be
completed and so the fasting ended too! We could have as much <em>kul </em>as we
wanted along with sweets galore. And yes, we were not supposed to study on Saraswati Puja...one more reason why that day was extra-special :). Goddess Saraswati has a <em>veena</em> (multi-string
instrument) in her hand. Since I love music, I was automatically her fan. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Next, I was
mesmerized by Jesus Christ. This may be the impact of spending too many years
in a missionary school and college. But there is a certain aura about Christ
that appeals to me all the time. Besides, churches and chapels have a calming
effect which I enjoy. In my teens, I
would buy pictures of Christ, as I would buy of Sachin Tendulkar and Salman
Khan. I loved wearing a cross round my neck too. Jesus is symbolic of true love, peace, and compassion. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Thirdly, of
course Loknath Baba. I learned about him from my father when I was in Class IV,
I think. In Class VII, during my P.T class, one day, my sports shoes were not
washed. I had completely forgotten to clean them the night before. In the
morning, all I could do was paint some chalk on the unruly pair. It was almost
like applying face powder on a black shoe. Our teachers were extremely strict
when it came to snow-white sports shoes. I was very scared. When my teacher
came for inspection, we were all standing in a row in ‘attention’ position. The
girl standing next to me had dirty shoes and was sent for detention. I had kept
my eyes shut and was constantly praying to Loknath Baba to save me </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Arial; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">. And yes, it was a miracle! The
teacher did not notice my unwashed shoes! She moved on to the end of the line
and caught two more girls. Ever since that day, Loknath Baba is a family member.
He didn’t come to my rescue during my Maths exams though! He asked me to
help myself :p.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I don’t know
how and when Ganesha happened. It certainly has a Mumbai connection. In
Kolkata, in our puja room, my mother has several Ganesha idols. My favorite is
a pristine white Ganpati. Mom usually drapes a green or golden silk scarf
around him. He looks simple, yet gorgeous. He used to be pampered the most
during <em>Poila Boishakh</em> (Bengali New Year) celebrations at home. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">After
shifting to Mumbai, I witnessed a lot more celebrations around Ganeshji compared
to Kolkata. Today being the final Ganpati visarjan day (Immersion ceremony), I
thought of writing this post. My fondness for Ganesha has grown a lot after I moved
to Mumbai. Ganesha has an endearing personality and is more like a friend than
God. He always seems so content with himself, perhaps that is the trait I
admire the most. In my ex-office, there is a very elegant and cute little Ganpati
that brightens our workplace. For years, I loved offering flowers to that
Ganpati every morning. Simple things bring such unprecedented joy! After I left
IBM, I miss that. But I know my friend Ganesha will always be by my side. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Happy Ganpati to
everyone!</span></div>
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Moitrayee Bhadurihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11841871041193019945noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-226258516379958571.post-47115989987326479852014-07-09T23:10:00.000+05:302014-07-10T00:11:30.708+05:30Chiropractic Care<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Have you heard of a <b>chiropractor</b>? You may not have, if you are in India. But if you are residing anywhere in the U.S, Canada, or even Australia - you may well be under chiropractic care already.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The concept was new to me and I learned about this discipline of noninvasive medical care only in January this year. I researched and read up more and was intrigued by this new perspective to healthcare.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In simple terms, a <b>chiropractor is a doctor</b> who has completed 'chiropractic school' just like an MD has completed MBBS. Chiropractors believe in natural healing and embrace the chiropractic philosophy which states that the human body is all powerful. Our body has the ability to heal itself naturally, without medication or surgery. Whenever there is a disruption in our nerve system, the natural functioning of the body is affected. Chiropractic care helps the body to gain back the momentum and perform at its optimal best. It changes your lifestyle, helps you imbibe healthy dietary habits, encourages you to maintain a daily fitness regime, and focuses on wellness for longer. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">India is not new to chiropractic though. Since time immemorial, we have had <b>natural healing</b> with ayurvedic, fitness through physiotherapy and treatment through homeopathy. Chiropractic is similar to all these disciplines. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Chiropractors use different '<b>adjustment techniques</b>' to heal patients -which gives them quick relief from spinal and nerve disorders, chronic ailments and longstanding mobility issues. Chiropractors don't claim to 'cure'. They make the body active by removing the obstacles that are interfering with the normal functioning of the body. The way our brain operates and how our nerve system keeps us going is great to know a chiropractor's perspective. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Most patients go to chiropractors after they have tried every other medical doctor, surgeon, orthopedic etc. But ideally, chiropractic would be a <b>better first choice</b>. If naturally, our body can get relief from pain, why would we need medicines? Though chiropractic doesn't have an answer to everything and medical help is needed during emergencies, there is no harm in giving it a try. Sportsmen, children, pregnant mothers, people with desk jobs, senior citizens, and people with chronic disorders benefit immensely from chiropractic care.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I hope that in the near future, chiropractic gains popularity in India too. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
Moitrayee Bhadurihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11841871041193019945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-226258516379958571.post-23491094978595902802014-07-08T23:50:00.000+05:302014-07-09T00:31:15.843+05:30The World Cup frenzy!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The football fever is crazy! Okay I understand that we don't have a World Cup every year, but the frenzy is inexplicable. I get all the more surprised because India is not even part of the tournament! If this was cricket, I would sit glued to the TV for hours together because India plays a huge role there, specially being the world cup champions.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Coming back to football, there is no point in me trying to argue with lovers of the game on this. I don't understand the game nor have ever made any attempt to. I find it quite boring to see 22 people running after 1 football for 90 minutes or more! Unless there is a goal, there's nothing exciting about the game! In cricket, there are 4s, 6s, wickets, different ways to get out, different bowling techniques, batting styles etc which I like. But I fail to be able to watch a football match for more than 15 minutes. And I don't think I'll do any better in the next world cup.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The only reason I may watch the game for few minutes is due to some of the players - Messi being the favorite. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Today, most people I know, regardless of their age, sex, city of residence, or sports orientation are going crazy about the world cup. Those in service are returning home early, taking a quick nap after dinner and waking up dot on time to support their favorite nation - mostly Brazil and Argentina. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Even though I cannot relate to it or enjoy it, I deeply appreciate the passion of the people for this game. Also, I hope we always stay this way in India - we love what we love and stand by it, no matter what.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Cheers! </span></div>
Moitrayee Bhadurihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11841871041193019945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-226258516379958571.post-57594503097166807182014-07-07T16:54:00.000+05:302014-07-08T17:06:26.343+05:30Freedom :)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Freedom means different things to different people. But nothing beats the freedom to dream! We are free to let our minds fly anywhere and dream. Just as realizing a long cherished dream is gratifying, so is the freedom to dream. It gives me a sense of "Ah, I can breathe freely".</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The freedom to write everyday on my blog, the freedom to choose any font randomly, the freedom to choose what you want to write on, and the freedom to decide when - enough reasons to make me happy :).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Often the happiness that comes with freedom is ephemeral because freedom itself is short-lived. We don't realize when freedom turns into responsibility that we willingly embrace.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I feel that freedom and responsibility make a great couple. When you enjoy your freedom but also achieve your dream using it as a weapon, life is bliss.</span><br />
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Moitrayee Bhadurihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11841871041193019945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-226258516379958571.post-60997275340435451472014-07-06T23:55:00.000+05:302014-07-07T00:56:14.193+05:30Getting Social<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Are you getting social? </b> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Today everyone just wants to get social - however, with whoever, whenever and wherever. Any reason is reason enough or most of the times, reason is not required. We use hashtags on almost every possible topic we write or comment on, when online. Whether in office or college, we expect people to 'get social'. These days even school children need to 'get social'. In fact, even animals are not spared. They are also expected to follow suit, under the able guidance of their social parents. Even filmstars, politicians, sportstars, artists, and religious leaders - all are in a race to 'get social'. The urban youth is perhaps leading the race by virtue of accessibility to information, technology knowledge and interest to stay connected.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">How are we socializing?</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Oh, come on! We all know that. Over the internet, social networking sites, instant messengers, voice chats, video chats, and more.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Why we love it?</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Ah, when a friend of mine was vacationing in Goa, he was thrilled that each time he 'checked in' to a new beach, he got over 20 'likes'. When he shared a photo at his favorite restaurant, the likes and comments even crossed 100. What's more, he got at least 7-8 new friend requests after he posted his profile picture on a popular social networking site. He was posing on a water scooter and had his new sunglasses on, which he specially bought for his online friends to admire! Each day he returned to the hotel a bit early as he needed to upload fresh pictures. Since the wi-fi was slow near the beach, he couldn't post all the pictures from his cell phone! How frustrating! Such a wonderful opportunity to get social - wasted, I thought ;). When I asked who he was traveling with, he mentioned his family. His wife also loved the virtual world. Since the kid is just 4, they would often keep him busy with their tablets or phones. Thank god for online games! So, the child didn't play on the beach, I wondered! 'Are you kidding me?' he replied. 'My kid hates dirt and we are happy he doesnt create a mess with the sand and stuff!'. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Socializing</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The interaction with this friend and several others often leave me confused. There are times that I don't visit any social networking site. I hate it when a social site reminds me to wish someone on their birthday! I don't even want the list - I know whom to wish and call up. Why should I wish someone who lived in my neighborhood for 18 years but we never spoke? Why should I even befriend him/her on a social networking site? When I am on a holiday - YES, I am on a holiday. If I do not 'check in' every 2 hours at every mall or eating joint I visit, if I don't use a 'hashtag' to express my emotions, am I unsocial? I talk to my family and close friends every day, even if they reside in a different city or country. Some of the people closest to me are not even on my social network 'online'. Or even if they are, they are the most 'unsocial' there. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Loving the virtual world.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">We all love good pictures, good reviews, comments on our posts (that includes blogs!). I too love it all -- the colorful and vibrant virtual world around me. Like many others, I am enthusiastic about digital communication, collaboration and partnerships. But I don't understand what it has got to do with me being social! If I don't have my profile updated on a job site, you can call me 'technologically slow'. But certainly not unsocial. If I don't chat with you online but prefer to read a book or play badminton instead, you can call me 'ancient' but not unsocial. </span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Besides, at that time, you are anyway busy multi-chatting and copy pasting similar responses to the others. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Finally..</b>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I think it's time for all of us to 'get social'. By that I mean - spending time with people who matter, enrolling for that long pending 'zumba' or 'foreign language' class, hanging out with friends, laughing our hearts out, physically visiting a charity or animal welfare NGO. Get social real-time. Don't fiddle with your phone when you are out on a date or visiting your parents for dinner after a week! The senior citizens, especially in India silently bear the unsocial behavior of their 'virtually social' children, everyday. For a start, why not switch off your phone and spend an evening listening to stories from their past? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Are you ready to 'get social'?</span></div>
Moitrayee Bhadurihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11841871041193019945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-226258516379958571.post-82609145456908354822014-07-05T23:45:00.000+05:302014-07-09T08:49:07.321+05:30My 5 favourite books of 2013<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
It's already the second half of 2014 and this blog is coming a tad late but then I did want to make a note of my most loved books in 2013. This year, I haven't been up to speed. But I hope to read a lot more starting this rainy month of July. What more can a pluviophile ask for ;) <br />
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<b>Here are my top 5 from last year</b><br />
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<b>1. Manuscript Found in Accra - <i>Paulo Coelho</i></b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsHkyYUf81zCKBJeKNKbO7d9-kVPDcBVEVZ1QgDxdLtCRyKolkHqJ_0MrVQb3iFP76UDfqYDRyraHSG14_uthIeJt_0rKGhnh5FXw-eGDhwStVgaMfhBdxdnCA26kfz9AAs8y3Chcl29M/s1600/paulloooo-mfia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsHkyYUf81zCKBJeKNKbO7d9-kVPDcBVEVZ1QgDxdLtCRyKolkHqJ_0MrVQb3iFP76UDfqYDRyraHSG14_uthIeJt_0rKGhnh5FXw-eGDhwStVgaMfhBdxdnCA26kfz9AAs8y3Chcl29M/s1600/paulloooo-mfia.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a>I loved this one, just as I love everything by Coelho. This book reminded me of 'The Alchemist' and inspires right till the very last page. It explores hope, anxiety, knowledge, the future and other concepts with simplicity which leaves a profound impact on the reader. I must have read this book at least 10 times now! If you haven't, do get a copy. What's more - you will never fall short of inspiring quotes with this book in your possession.<br />
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<b>2. Lowland- Jhumpa Lahiri</b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzS8-W-fAePyP426T660awF3OiR5PY59XEDp9TKXeAXDxP6pA522P9hxN3S9WKQygRboo-UZGLlSxt7HMG6Djj8EdYXW658dHWQwWrrrGit97KstEKpyg_usuHzdplOHT9ngEImxgjQuo/s1600/jhumpa-lahiri-the-lowland-review-2409.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzS8-W-fAePyP426T660awF3OiR5PY59XEDp9TKXeAXDxP6pA522P9hxN3S9WKQygRboo-UZGLlSxt7HMG6Djj8EdYXW658dHWQwWrrrGit97KstEKpyg_usuHzdplOHT9ngEImxgjQuo/s1600/jhumpa-lahiri-the-lowland-review-2409.jpg" height="121" width="200" /></a>I don't know I appreciated the book more for its beautifully woven story or because of the Calcutta connection. Traces of the city in 1950s are depicted with such vivid eloquence, that I could visualize the story of the two brothers and relate to it very well. I wish Jhumpa Lahiri writes more. This novel has been such a treat!<br />
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<b>3. Best Kept Secret - Jeffrey Archer</b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipKNKUrk6AWqPBnkjxFb6MWayiWLFaIB1CXC-RO0Rsre04hUc0bY8h3oLLbDJsrEzmBjeJ_MLCAByUSPT_tQIP-FPnTEvM3JvYk4mlE0M7akxWa_NVt45BdJ15Y-EtAnCOM44XM5HXrLk/s1600/jeffrey_archer_1363607588_540x540.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipKNKUrk6AWqPBnkjxFb6MWayiWLFaIB1CXC-RO0Rsre04hUc0bY8h3oLLbDJsrEzmBjeJ_MLCAByUSPT_tQIP-FPnTEvM3JvYk4mlE0M7akxWa_NVt45BdJ15Y-EtAnCOM44XM5HXrLk/s1600/jeffrey_archer_1363607588_540x540.jpg" height="200" width="183" /></a>For booklovers and mystery maniacs, there are some authors you just cannot miss! It is almost criminal not to read a Jeffrey Archer novel as soon as it hits the bookstores. For those who have been following the Clifton-Barrington series, they will simply love this third book on Clifton Chronicles. Powerful characterization, suspense, intrigue, revenge - Archer presents the narrative in his inimitable style and leaves the reader longing for more. <br />
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<b>4. The Cuckoo's Calling - Robert Galbraith</b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieNaF0aRcGuJXm47G_7TCF70VhMQXQQyxq1RN1IacMcAIDVk1wU5XunaYfCKwdMhPkF2qwk5pfYuA2J2sFc3Qun9TVtqoGrpExdKcQX-0CraSf1SOZfhZUa4ayALN4LZV4pi5MsaeL_yA/s1600/jk+rowling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieNaF0aRcGuJXm47G_7TCF70VhMQXQQyxq1RN1IacMcAIDVk1wU5XunaYfCKwdMhPkF2qwk5pfYuA2J2sFc3Qun9TVtqoGrpExdKcQX-0CraSf1SOZfhZUa4ayALN4LZV4pi5MsaeL_yA/s1600/jk+rowling.jpg" height="161" width="320" /></a>Okay, so I didn't buy this one till I learned that JK Rowling was writing under this pen name. But who would have imagined that the Potter queen would come up with such a gripping suspense novel! She is the storyteller every aspiring writer wants to be! She wonderfully underplays her private detective focusing more on the story than on her protagonist. That's makes the book even more engaging. With the second Cormoran Strike book released in 2014, Rowling has successfully created a new detective who is quickly climbing up the popularity charts.<br />
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<b>5. Lean In - Sheryl Sandberg</b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFdpBMZyQ3I1FHtbCi1_bHlIIzuxhoyn1p06jI0iGPuzAJy96jK2GnQByr38w5vpBEE5XNrC-2y5KKot215hQRyO-pEbo8-TmaSO2hOL7cLQOYpb544sctvQVFE3uQ-WFZYA9oFkT3YXc/s1600/Sandberg+jkt.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFdpBMZyQ3I1FHtbCi1_bHlIIzuxhoyn1p06jI0iGPuzAJy96jK2GnQByr38w5vpBEE5XNrC-2y5KKot215hQRyO-pEbo8-TmaSO2hOL7cLQOYpb544sctvQVFE3uQ-WFZYA9oFkT3YXc/s1600/Sandberg+jkt.jpeg" height="200" width="120" /></a>This is one book for keeps. I would recommend it to everyone, whether they are avid readers or not<b>. </b>Sandberg, Facebook COO talks about why women empowerment is important and how women can make a big difference to the workplace. She starts with her own example, discusses 'pregnant parking' and how women make naturally good managers and leaders. I really like the subtitile 'women, work, and the will to lead'. This is an excellent book to gift to promising new leaders at your workplace, family, and friend circles. I have already gifted 5 copies of the book to women who I know would appreciate the vision. In fact, I too received it as a gift on a day I was feeling low. This book acted as an instant morale booster!<br />
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I hope to read more this year and come up with a new list hopefully by end of 2014. Till then, Happy Reading!</div>
Moitrayee Bhadurihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11841871041193019945noreply@blogger.com0