The River Smoke Book Review by Amitav Ghosh

If you wish to study the colonial history of the East through a seafaring tale and the problems of poppy’s product- the opium, go for the river of smoke. In this sequel to the Sea of Popies, Amitav Gosh dives deep in presenting the picture of Opium War of 1830s. Gosh shifts his focus on canton in this book.

Book opens in Mauritius and moves on to chase its storm tossed characters. The ship is caught in the whirlwind and when the seas settle five men- two lascars, two convicts and one passenger have gone missing. As the narration progress you’ll find out whether it was the storm that changed the routes of the ships or were the destiny of passengers meant to coincide. It presents an interesting picture of the network of alleys and harbor through characters from all walks of life; it has tycoons, government officials, journalists, fugitives, smugglers, and a motley collection of others.

The River of Smoke reads like a scholarly paper and provides rich details on opium war and Cantonese society. Highly recommended!

Those in peril book review by Wilbu Smith

‘Those in Peril’ by Wilbur Smith brings you face to face with the barbarian world of 21st century piracy.

“Hazel Bannock is the heir to the Bannock Oil Corp, one of the major oil producers with global reach. While cruising in the Indian Ocean, Hazel’s private yacht is hijacked by African pirates. Hazel is not on board at the time, but her nineteen year old daughter, Cayla, is kidnapped and held to ransom. The pirates demand a crippling twenty billion dollar ransom for her release. Complicated political and diplomatic considerations render the civilized major powers incapable of intervening.”

When Hazel is given evidence of the horrific torture which Cayla is being subjected to, she calls on Hector Cross to help her rescue her daughter. Hector is the owner and operator of Cross Bow Security, the company which is contracted to Bannock Oil to provide all their security. He is a formidable fighting man. Between them Hazel and Hector are determined to take the law into their own hands.”

Wilbur Smith gives a pictorial presentation to the book. It deals with serious topics of piracy and religion. It presents the Muslim religion in great depth, why Muslims have strong dislike for westerners. Book has vivid description of murders and brutal rapes. The narrative is fresh supported by strong characters. It explores in depth the problem of Somali pirates in Indian Ocean. Plot moves in flow and preserves suspense till the end. This thriller will not disappoint you at any level.

The Art Of Stress-Free Living Book Review

Are you unable to cope with work pressure? Is stress building and eating up your peace of mind? If you find it difficult to manage time then you must read The art of stress free living.

In this book Sri Sri Ravi Shanker teaches how to manage stress. With body postures, breathing exercises, meditation and the knowledge of basic spiritual principles one can easily manage stress. It tells you how a clear mind supports your intuitive intelligence. It encourages people to live artful, free and happy life. It helps you to find peace within and bring about the change in your thought process. It will ignite the creativity in you and help you leverage your potential. The timeless works of Sri Sri Ravi Shankar confirm the fact that effective stress management leads to a happy life.

Empire of the Moghul Book Review Alexander Rutherford

Empire of the Moghul: Ruler of the World by Alex Rutherford operates on two levels. This is the third book in the series of Empire of the Moghul. First part of the book focuses on Akbar. The great Moghul, and the much loved leader of the people too had flaws. The ruler, who continued to extend his rule over Asia, had a troubled relationship with his son. The first part of the book describes Akbar’s triumphs; it captures in details how Akbar goes on to become the greatest emperor. His strength, valor makes him the greatest emperor but these very qualities of him estrange him from his son, Salim.

The second part of the book is devoted to Salim (Jehangir). Salim has nothing in common with his father. He wallows in self pity and is unable to live up to his father’s expectation. His actions are looked upon as a vendetta for his father. His romantic overtures, his drinking habits and his killing Akbar’s confidant, all these actions make Akbar’s convictions stronger and he denies him his right to be a successor.

Book is written in a compelling tone and Rutherford does justice in portraying the love-hate relationship between the father and son. The strength, flaws and individualist traits of both the character is worth observing.

EspnStar Sealed With A Six Book Review

The 2011 world cup win was a memorable one for all Indians. How many of us have enjoyed the victory even more than watching the match itself? Sealed With A Six by Espn Cricinfo is an informative book that will help revive the glorious victory. The other plus is that it is authored by the best cricket writers of all time.

Sealed with a Six is a great choice if you wish to own a definitive edition, which after years, will help you revive the glorious moment in India`s cricketing history. Bringing home the coveted world cup after the stupendous 1983 victory is truly something. And this edition by some of the best cricket writers is just the right thing to help relive each of the precious moments.

In addition to being a great read, I got the free ‘Champions moment’ poster inside the book. This is something I will preserve for years to come. Decades down the line, maybe I would be able to show the younger generation, pictures of India`s victory with the details of the series. It sure is a great buy and will be cherished for a long time from now.

Rashmi Bansals Zero to Hero Book Review

I purchased this book from Infibeam, the moment they put it on the shelf. I have read Stay Hungry Stay foolish and have liked the simple flow of content, and the ‘matter of fact’ way of depicting people`s success stories. With Zero to Hero, the author adds a new dimension to her writing. It is not a book about how the rich get richer, or a story about famous dads and their successful offsprings. This is a story, or rather an informative read about how you could be a big somebody even when you don’t have great familial backing.

On reading this book I realized two things. Rashmi Bhansal was not trying her luck at motivational writing; neither was she trying to emphasize things in a bollywood style (the title may make you think otherwise). The author very lucidly tells the reader that all you have to have, is your head on your shoulders, clear thinking and an ambition so strong that will engulf all your fears at attempting something big. I have been inspired to follow my dreams and would like to thank Rashmi Bhansal for this informative read. I also recommend this book to one and all. Go read it and get inspired!

Improve Your Writing Skills Book Review

A love story with the “its different” formula

Kanav and Tanya are in love but distances have done them apart (not really). This is the quintessential love story, where long distance relationships tread on the dainty thread of hope. There is hope to continue the relationship but there is a constant fear. One of them assumes things have changed ever since they were parted by distances. If you believe in long distance relationship or are in the hope of finding success in it, you must read this book. I for one picked it up having read the review posted on a friend’s blog.

The two are so in love that they believe love will keep them alive. Their positive thinking works in their favor and within six months they are united again, in the place where their romance bloomed-India. The eternal wait thus comes to a halt. There is speculation if the two are just the same or they have changed with time. I would say the author has done a commendable job and I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. Find out if you like it as much as I did and recommend it to your friends as well, just as I did.