Thursday, July 14, 2022

Book Review - Raman Agarwal's Crochet - The Gordian World of Tahir Khan

About Crochet -


While adult mental health issues around the world have gained massive awareness in the past few years, the mental health issues of kids and teens continue to be ignored and denied recognition. The roots of mental disorders are often found buried in childhood traumas. Social stigmas attached to mental disorders are monstrous, especially when it comes to the suffering of young ones, who are too confused to speak of their pain--or to know that they suffer unfairly.

Often parents try to shield their children using deception and ignorance. The general perception remains that people suffering from a mental disorder are crazy, or mad. The insensitivity of popular culture makes a laughing stock of this pain and chooses to ridicule what should be alleviated. The result is a complete alienation of a bright spark who must pretend normalcy by aping the behaviours of their peers while their consciousness cries in the despair of soul-crushing loneliness.

Crochet aims to bring light to the topic of mental health and its importance amongst young adults and their parents.

 

Blurb:

 Tahir lives with Maa and Abba in a refugee colony. A childhood misfortune pushes him down an age long chasm, surrounding him with ominous shadows and illusory objects. As Alex untangles his knotted head, Tahir uncovers a dark past, stored in long forgotten jars.

Crochet is a story of greys, of fractions, of halves, of twins, of dinky dots, of concentric circles, of daisies in gardens, and irises in eyes.

You can watch the book trailer here - https://youtu.be/KuR7vpqK5FI

To buy the book click on Amazon Purchase Link - https://www.amazon.in/Crochet-Gordian-World-Tahir-Khan/dp/B0B353YDNB/

 

About the Author :


Raman works with a global cloud company as a value evangelist & advisor. Raman enjoys visiting local book stores & coffee shops in foreign cities. He is also an amateur, but a passionate photographer.

Raman enjoys his coffee dark and bitter, and his books deep and profound. On most weekends, you can find Raman seated on his balcony, reading a twentieth-century classic while sipping coffee.

Raman hates watching the trailers before the movies, and he never reads blurbs before books. He is also a believer and a practitioner of objectivism.

One can follow him on the following social media

Insta : @crochetbyraman

Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/ramanagarwal13

Twitter: ramanagarwal138

 

My Views :

Speaking about mental health has been a taboo for generations but, in the past two years, since the pandemic has hit us, something has changed and now everyone is talking openly about mental health and giving preference to it.

 

Our brain functions in a very strange manner. Good thoughts and memories are stored deep down somewhere where no one can find them, but bad memories and trauma hold a special place and trigger various reactions. And if any untoward incident happens, especially in childhood, it leaves a long-lasting effect on that person. But sadly, we are so used to sweeping the dust below the carpet that we don’t realize what effect it does on a child, but by the time we realize that, the damage is already done and the time has passed away too.

 

Crochet - The Gordian world of Tahir Khan, is one such book that is based entirely on mental health. After a very long time, I have come across such a book, that has left me speechless. Initially, I found the book a prolonged read, but as I progressed, it was like peeling layers of corn cob; the more we peel, the more interesting it gets. The author has done a commendable job and I appreciate the effort he has put into his debut book.

        

The first fourteen chapters are like a monologue, where Tahir, the protagonist is just sharing his thoughts, about his experience with Alex, a psychiatrist.  Tahir gives you entry into his world, which he believes is true but after fourteen chapters, the suspense clears and the mystery unravels leaving you thoughtful and speechless. How Raman, the author has compiled the story of Thair, is astounding. For a debut author, Crochet is well-written.

           

 

Though the book has a cliffhanger ending, it stays with you for a very long time as it did to me, to gather my thoughts, to make sense of the whole story.

 

I loved the intricate book cover; it is eye-catching. The editing is perfect, error-free writing, and the use of simple language are some of the plus points of this book. The only blemish, for me, is the font size. I wish the author had opted for a font size a little bigger than the one used in the hard copy. Other than the one teeny-weeny flaw, this book is worth a read.

 

I recommend one and all to read Crochet, but let me warn you it is not a simple and easy read. But, do pick up this book when you have time in hand and want to read some good stuff on mental health and settle down with no distractions and a big pot of strong tea or coffee as you enter the intricate and tangled world of Tahir.


Thursday, July 7, 2022

Spotlight On Paromita Goswami's Mirror

Book Spotlight: Mirror by Paromita Goswami




Name of the book: Mirror

Author: Paromita Goswami

Genre : Self-help, motivational, non-fiction, short read

Publisher : Ficus India Books


The Blurb:


    The success lies in never giving up your goal whatever be the situation. Our failure is our testing time. It questions us if we are on the right path or not.

    My inspiration in writing motivational and relationship book is from my own experiences in life.

    My life has been an intense emotional roller coaster ride that brought me closer to my actual soul calling, spreading positive vibes and healing. Frankly, I saw myself in many of my friends, family and even people whom I didn’t know. The suffering was the same everywhere.

    This book is a small attempt to show that you are not alone in such a situation and with self healing, the tables can be turned.

Add to goodreads

Buying link getbook.at/mirror


About the Author




    Paromita Goswami is a writer and storyteller by passion and a rebel by choice. She says the world is full of stories and as a writer she loves to pen them down. Her work is not genre specific. From literary fiction to children book to paranormal thriller and women fiction

    Paromita Goswami’s books offer the variety of life to her readers. This is her first attempt in self help motivational and inspirational book aimed at self healing.

    Besides writing, she loves singing and also organizes events for social welfare and cultural benefits for the community. She also hosts programs for all India radio. She lives in Raipur, Chhattisgarh with her big family consisting of furry babies and humans.

Stalk her @

Website - paromitagoswami.wordpress.com

Insta - @goswami.paromita

Twitter - @authorparomita

Goodreads – Paromita Goswami

Facebook page – Author Paromita

Saturday, April 30, 2022

Z for Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara



In today’s material world how many of us are lucky to have friendships lasting for decades? How many of us have that bond with our schoolmates or college mates?

 



Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara is a cult movie that initially felt like a simple movie of three friends going on a road trip but then, the complexity of the characters, the issues of the individuals playing the three main leads somehow could relate to the real-life problems. Anyone could relate to what the three individuals were going through in their life. It is not about going distant from a friend due to misunderstanding or failing in a matrimonial relation misinterpretation of events. It is much more than all of that.

 

Every individual has some kind of phobia or history, that sometimes no one shares. But when friends like Arjun, Imran, and Kabir meet, skeletons tumble out of the closet. 

 

The movie is also above conquering our fears and overcoming our shortcomings by facing them. I just loved that movie and watch it again and again and again. I loved the manner the three male leads, Hrithik Roshan Bobby Deol and Farhan Akhtar have played their characters with their natural acting. It is a film which one requires to reduce your stress. It is a lighthearted, refreshing movie which you can watch alone or maybe with your group of friends and which will make you smile throughout and make you forget your worries and be happy. 

 

And that’s a wrap for this month-long blog challenge. I would like to offer my gratitude to all who have read and commented on my posts, be assured will do the same for you in the coming months.

 

Heartfelt gratitude to our WhatsApp group members, Deepa, Afshan, Renu, Jayshree, Anuradha, and Ranjana who not only supported, motivated, and but also encouraged each other throughout this challenge. Special thanks to Deepa who came up with the idea of making this group. 

 

Till next year, keep blogging, keep reading… Ciao!!!

 

To check out other posts of A to Z challenge click on links below

A > B > C > D > E > F > G > H > I > J > K > L > M > N > O > P > Q > R > S > T U > V > W > X > Y > Z 

Y for Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani


 

Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani is a coming-of-age romantic comedy movie featuring some of the best artists in the Bollywood industry. 

 


This film is one of my favorite, not only for the heart-warming music but also because I could instantly connect with Naina because of the way she was. Naina never got to enjoy life. She always concentrated on getting good marks in academics and how being an introvert bothered her. The locales, where the movie were shot are just mesmerizing. 

 

I loved the acting of all the artists, the rapport they shared, could be felt on-screen too. I can watch this movie any number of times for its humor, comedy, and the foot tapping songs, and for the actors and actresses, I just love this movie. Every time I watch this film, it not only brings a smile but always drives away the blues clogging my brains. 

 

Did you watch this movie? Which part is your favorite? Do let me know in the comments. 

To check out other posts of A to Z challenge click on links below

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X for A movie 'X' based on your life (Guest Post)



Again today is a guest post written by a blogger friend Anuradha Khanna Pentapalli. She is a mommy blogger who blogs at Mom And Ideas, where she writes about her experiences and journey as a mom. I love reading her posts; they like a breath of fresh air. Her humour and how she makes light of every situation are commendable.

         Let us ask Annu (as she is lovingly called and known to us 💖💖) what she has to tell about her favourite movie in this post.

 

A movie ‘X’ based on your life

 


         Remember that X variable of your Mathematics problems? Oh, the joy we had when we found what it was and the disappointment when it left us confused!

         Now, what if there was a movie to be made based on your life? After all, our life is nothing less than a hit movie story, isn't it? Emotion, drama, romance or crushes, failures, achievements, struggles… It has all the ingredients of a movie script, right?

         Let me call it ‘X’, for now until you figure out (and please share in the comments) what you would like to call it.

         It is not that I am unable to find Indian movies with the letter X in the title, but let me assure you that your story would be way better than the four of these:

            Mr. X (1957): starring Ashok Kumar, involves a potion that makes him invisible. Innovative, particularly at that time, but it wasn’t a hit.

        Mr. X in Bombay (1964): is a romantic sci-fi film starring Kishor Kumar and Kumkum -  definitely not a hit but it had a beautiful song Mere Mehboob Qayamat Hogi.

           Xcuse Me (2003): would make the movies above seem much better. Excuse me, but let's not talk about it in this blog series that lists some of the most wonderful movies of our times.

           Mr. X (2015) is a 3D sci-fi film starring Emran Hashmi. No, not worth talking about it here. Don’t even ask why!

            So, coming back to your X, where X is the title of the movie based on your life. I am certain that it is way better and more interesting than the ones above. So what would it be? What would be the plot?

 Would it be about romance, finding or losing love?

Would it be about your struggles and challenges?

Would it be about friendship?

Or a thriller?

Or the drama in your life?

Or just the fun parts?

          Would it be a biography focussing on your achievements? Trust me no achievement is small when you overcome the difficulties in your life. You don’t need to be a famous person, everyone’s struggles are real.

            Okay, let me lead by eXample!

           My X would be a series as I can go on and on as you can figure out by the length of this post. I am still awaiting that call from some Academy award-winning director who would make a movie on my life… and then that movie would be a hit, then there would be a book, interviews, money… then a movie on the new success… it can go on and on ;)

Maybe my X is Daydreaming… LOL. What is yours?


To check out other posts of A to Z challenge click on links below

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Friday, April 29, 2022

W for Where'd you go Bernadette


 

Why is that every time a child is sick, a mother has to sacrifice her career, and her passion and stay home to take care of that child? Sigh! (Sadly, my Mom did the same when I had some health condition and Dad made her resign from her job and stay home so that I could be taken care of properly and recover. I can understand her plight now that I am a mother too).

 

I chanced upon this movie while flipping through the channels one fine day. I watched this movie for Cate Blanchett. It connected instantly and I think lot of moms who have given up their career and passion for sake of their kids or elders at home can easily relate to this movie. I love the manner Cate played the role of a frustrated, desperate mom Bernadette, who is a well-known and famous architect, and yet for sake of her daughter Bee gave away all her passion. But she is the apple of her eye and their lives revolve around each other.

 




I appreciate the director, writer, and Cate for showing the emotions of what of mother goes through, how she feels frustrated, and how isolated she feels when her husband, whom she trusted and loved refuses to understand her dilemma and calls her mentally unstable.

 

I loved watching this movie and would recommend one and all to watch it. 


To check out other posts of A to Z challenge click on links below

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Tuesday, April 26, 2022

V for Vaaranam Aayiram (Guest Post)




Today’s post is a guest post by a very dear friend of mine Deepa Duraisamy, who owns a blog called FictionPies. Writing short fiction is her heartfelt passion. I love reading her posts, and her short stories. They are humorous and quirky but in a good way as they are different. 

 

So, now let’s hear from her about her favorite movie for today’s alphabet and why she loves that movie. 

 

Vaaranam Aayiram (Language: Tamil, Release: 2008)

 

Thanks to Aparna doing her A-Z on film recommendations, we discovered some English, Hindi, and Marathi gems here, and reaffirmed some of our all-time favorites as well. So, I thought why not bring in something completely new here? My recommendation for today is a Tamil movie called Vaaranam Aayiram (translated: A Thousand Elephants). 

 


The younger Suriya plays an army officer, and the movie outlines his growing up years, circumstances that lead him to join the army, personal tragedies that he goes through, finding love, re-finding love, and comfortable solace, all the while with the support of his mother, played by the beautiful Simran and of course, his father played by – Suriya again! 


        Playing both the son and father in this movie, emoting, and acting out the characters physically and emotionally going from 10 to 72 with such aplomb and ease, you can see why Suriya is so well-liked. 

 

The reason I pick this movie is for a few reasons. Firstly, the way it covers a gamut of relationships, emotions, and phases in life. And I can say with much confidence, if you re-watch it at different ages/stages in your life, you’ll relate to it differently every single time. What warms your heart consistently is the beautiful, emotional strength-filled father-son bond throughout – even when both characters are not sharing screen space, the faith and knowledge that his father is there for him, shine through – this is the stuff fathers are made of. 

 

The second reason is more personal, but then I suppose more shared too. Watching this movie, especially the parents – older Suriya and Simran (their younger love story is also shown!) I kept catching glimpses of my parents so much in the movie, once the movie ended, I ended up making an ISD phone call just to talk to them and tell them about it, and at that moment, I missed them so much! Parents usually are such an emotional safety net, even when they don’t make it obvious, even when they don’t spell it out, the silent confidence that they are around to catch you if you fall – it’s a Godsend. 

 

Gautham Vasudev Menon does a fabulous job with direction, and Harris Jayraj’s music is amazing. A couple of numbers stay with you! I still hum them from time to time. This isn’t a teary-eyed emotional drama (well, a little maybe) with lots of lectures or ‘gyaan’ as they say. There is no social message. Except what it leaves you with is happy emotions and warmth filled heavy heart. And isn’t that something really good? 

 

As of this writing, you can watch Vaaranam Aayiram on Voot, Zee 5, Hungama Play, MX Player, and VI movies. 

To check out other posts of A to Z challenge click on links below

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Monday, April 25, 2022

U for Udaan and Uri

 


In this post, too, I am writing about two movies that I loved watching and belong to the great movies list: Udaan (2010) and Uri: The Surgical Strike (2019).

 

While Udaan is a coming-of-age kind of movie, Uri is an action film based on true events. Both films are different and yet unique in their own way.

 

Udaan

 



We all know how dominating and controlling Indian parents, especially fathers, can be. But some are so dominating and hot-tempered that life becomes hell for the kids as the amount of physical and verbal abuse takes a mental toll on them. 

 

Udaan is a story of such dominating father and his two sons. We always blame upbringing for any kind of abuse or bad habits a person has but then how come one sibling Bhairav Singh is alcoholic, abusive, and dominating while his younger brother Jimmy is completely opposite. This film is about Rohan, the elder son of Bhairav, and his struggle. 

 

I loved the picturization, the acting, and the actors; in other words, it’s a good watchable movie with loads to understand and tell.


Uri

 


Uri, on the other hand is an action film based on true events. I can’t write much about it because one blog post won’t be sufficient for it. Whenever I watch movies or web series based on intelligence officers, the army or such, my heart swells with pride in their brave heartedness while my eyes cry on their sacrifice.  

 

Plus, the music of the film is awesome. Hats off to Sashwat Sachdev, for creating such a piece of brilliant music. 

 

What’s your take on both the movies? Please do let me know. 


To check out other posts of A to Z challenge click on links below

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