Book Review - Herogiri - Mainak Dhar

Mainak Dhar, this is his second book I have read and it has left me wondering how the hell he gets ideas for writing his books. His first book that I read was The Cubicle Manifesto, which is a self help book and makes you think about your professional life and how to stabilise it with your personal life. Herogiri is nowhere near that. It is out and out masala book which is an absolute page turner. 

The book opens with a bank robbery. A guy in his twenties who looks like as if he doesn't eat anything and wears big glasses. He somehow manages to give those robbers a run for their money and ends up being a hero for everyone. Only he knows the truth, what had happened that day. Arnab, the protagonist of the book is an orphan, who is working as an assistant librarian in a Delhi University college. His boss, head librarian Jayantda, is a tough guy to please and keeps taunting Arnab for something or the other. 

Arnab has his own issues with the crime in the city. He manages to save a girl from being raped in a city bus and also teaches a lesson to some rich brats who are always on hunt to rape one woman or the other. In this course, he realises that he has developed some super powers. He takes help of Khan Chacha, who is an ex-armyman and develops these powers and becomes the guardian angel of Delhi. Then comes the real task, a terror attack in Delhi and Arnab had to deal and shake hands with all those people who had tried to harm in time and again. The plot of the book keeps getting better and better as it progresses. 

Mainak Dhar's writing has got style. He knows the which nerve of the reader he has to hold and carry on with the plot. Herogiri is also getting made into a movie. Director Riya Kapoor is doing it and I would definitely catch up with the movie as well. If you are looking for an out and out masala book with loads of action and innocence personified, pick Herogiri by Mainak Dhar, you would love it. I am sure. 

Book Source : Publisher
Publisher : Random House India
Genre : Fiction
ISBN : 9788184001334 

Book Review - Operation Lipstick - Pia Heikkila

Operation Lipstick, the title of the book gives an impression that it is related to fashion world, which it definitely doesn't.

Set up in Afghanistan, this is Pia Heikkila's first book. She is a journalist with over 15 years of experience in international media and the organisations for which she has worked would surely impress you. She has also done a small stint in Afghanistan also, hence I think the idea for this book must have come up.

Anna Sanderson, the protagonist of the book is a war journalist, working for a UK based news channel GNN. She has been into all the troubled and war struck places in the middle east and is a kind of go getter. She doesn't think much and is always up to some or the other mischief. Her cameraman, Tim and her friend Kelly, who is also a journalist live together in Kabul. Both of them are really close to Anna and Kelly specially is like her soul sister. There is another dimension to Anna's personality is, she always looks out for men who can satisfy her emotionally and physically. During all these her, she has hooked up with many men, slept with countless men and is on constant hunt even in a place like Afghanistan and she does manage to find some action. But Anna is looking for a man, whom she can be with all her life.

The plot of the story is about Taliban and how they get their weapons. Kelly's unfaithful boyfriend Richard, he is somehow involved in this whole thing and as he dumps Kelly for some other women, the trio decides to do a scoop on him and find out what actually is happening.

Pia Heikkila's writing has got a style. She is upfront, brash and witty at the same time. Its her writing that makes the book an absolute page turner, but when it comes to the plot of the story, I found it to be a bit confusing. Towards the end, you get this feeling that the ending of the book could have been better. This is what I felt. Anna's character and the way she keeps talking to herself in the whole book makes you laugh almost every time. The book is a good option for some light reading. Try it out sometime.

Book Source : Publisher
Publisher : Random House India
Genre : Fiction
ISBN : 978-81-8400-174-7

Death In Mumbai - Meenal Baghel

This book was recommended to me by a friend. Honestly, I never follow real life murder cases, political news or whatsoever. I dont like to thrive on negative things. I look for positivity and thats why I hardly read newspapers, watch news channels. I am too uninformed about everything going around until unless I wish to know what actually is going around. Death In Mumbai is about the famous murder mystery of Neeraj Grover, a young TV executive, who was brutally killed by Maria Susairaj ( an actor cum dancer ) and his fiancee Emile ( a naval officer ). The case stirred the nation back then as far as I can remember, but I never really followed it. I didn't want to follow it. 

When my friend told me about this book, I decided to pick it up and absolutely loved reading it. The way Meenal Baghel, who is currently working with Mumbai Mirror as editor-in-chief spoke to almost everyone associated with the case. Some known names and some spoke to her only on one condition that their identity should be kept under cover. The book psyches you out completely when you read some things. The insanity of the whole case will actually drive you crazy at points. 

The author spoke to Neeraj's friends, family, people who had worked with him, Ekta Kapoor as Neeraj used to work for Balaji Telefilms, Moon Das, who was approached to play the character of Maria Susairaj and herself was a victim of another insane killing of her mother and uncle by her ex-husband. Ram Gopal Varma, who made a movie adapting the entire case history, Rakesh Maria, top cop of the Mumbai crime branch who resolved the whole case. 

The way this book has been written, it throws light on many things. The way when Maria Susairaj confesses her doing psyches out again completely, it did happen to me. It leaves you aghast, that how can a human be so insane, so brutal to another human being. I highly recommend this book if you wish to know what exactly happened. It is an unputdownable, roller coaster ride. 

Book Source : Random House India
Genre : Non-Fiction 

ISBN : 978-8-184-00065-8

The Fist Of God - Frederick Forsyth

 Title : The Fist Of God

 Author : Frederick Forsyth

 Publisher : Corgi Books, Random House

 Genre : Fiction, Thriller

 Pages : 624

 ISBN : 978 0552 139908

This was my first Frederick Forsyth book and throughout I was cursing myself that why didn't I pick any of his books in the past. Now, you know what I mean. The Fist Of God is one of the most brilliantly written books that I have read so far and I have no qualms in saying that, Forsyth is someone whose books must be made compulsory for those who are into thrillers and high end suspense and drama. 

I had always wanted to read a book by Frederick Forsyth and I picked up two titles recently from a book sale. With so many books pouring in daily for reviews I hardly find time to read the books that I brought for myself. The book is again a facts + fiction and this is genre that I absolutely love reading. There are too many characters in the book and their cast list is given at the very beginning of the book. With too many characters, the book becomes quite confusing at times, but I successfully managed to keep a track of who is who and who is doing what and when throughout the book. :D

The book is based on the first gulf war and is wonderfully tense. The research done for the book is detailed and have been put up in a journalistic way. The plot if set up in Middle East, Washington, London, Saudi Arabia and Baghdad. The descriptions of places and people are highly impressive and once you manage to sail through the first few chapters of the book, you would hardly think of putting it down before you reach the last page. Though it took me some time to finish this one. 

Though, people might find the ending of the book to be a bit disappointing, but that can be neglected because the rest of the book is amazing. Also, the life of Saddam Hussain and the way it has been described in the book makes you fall for it, though we don't know how much is fact in there and how much is fiction. 

Pick this book up if you are into espionage and war books. The kind of politics that has been woven in the plot would leave you astounded and might psyche you out as it did to me. I am a non-political person, I hate politics to the core but I absolutely loved it when I was reading this one. 

Cross Fire - James Patterson

 Title : Cross Fire

 Author : James Patterson

 Genre : Thriller, Fiction

 Publisher : Century, London

 Pages : 356

 ISBN : 978-1-846-05459-4

This was my first book by James Patterson and I must say, his writing has got style. As I always say, murder in the beginning and the book is an instant hit for me. Same was the case with this one. A murder in the prologue itself and something more wild in the second chapter of prologue and hence began the roller coaster ride. I never knew that James Patterson has written a whole Alex Cross series and Cross Fire is the 17th book in the series. The earlier ones are

Along Came a Spider (1), Kiss the Girls(2), Jack & Jill (3), Cat and Mouse (4), Pop Goes the Weasel (5), Roses Are Red (6), Violets Are Blue (7), Four Blind Mice (8), The Big Bad Wolf (9), London Bridges (10), Mary, Mary (11), Cross, Cross (12), Double Cross (13), Cross Country (14), Alex Cross's Trial (15), I, Alex Cross (16), Cross Fire (17), Kill Alex Cross (18)

The book is a fast paced thriller. It starts with when Washington DC's two most hated public figures, a corrupt congressman and an underhanded lobbyist are murdered in public. A lot of other killings in the same fashion takes place. The common things in all the killings are, the shooter kills the most corrupt and hated people and always using long-range shots that too in public. Excessive media coverage explodes the entire killing business and people start having divided opinions on everything. Also, the protagonist of the book Alex Cross is all set to marry her lady lady, Brianna Stone (Bree). Too much happens in the book that keeps you engaged from the beginning till the end.

The best part about the book is, short chapters. Yes, I absolutely loved reading them leaving you aghast most of the times. There are 117 chapters in 356 pages. If you ask me, I would tag the book as "Quick Fix Thriller", yes thats what it is. It will keep you on your toes. Though at times, the relationship between Alex and Bree and also their weird love making scene breaks the momentum of the book. But if you love fast paced thrillers, this one won't disappoint you. You have my word for it.

(Review asked by Random House)

The 6 P.M Slot - Naomi Dutta

 Title : The 6 P.M Slot

 Author : Naomi Dutta

 ISBN :  9788184001709

 Genre : Fiction

 Pages : 294

 Publisher : Random House

The cover of the book makes it look really cheesy but trust me it is not. As they say never judge a book by its cover and I completely agree with it. Naomi Dutta's first book, The 6 P.M. Slot is a take on reality TV shows and how they are conceived, conceptualised and how they are put on air. Also, the plot deals with crisis management when things go haywire when you least expect them. 

The book opens with the managing director of YTV, Rahul Singh with his counterpart Harish Swamy, the master of obscene expletives that would crack you up at times, thinking about filling in The 6 P.M slot for their Youth TV (YTV) channel. Its a famous quote by Neha Dhupia that, in this industry, either sex sells or SRK, the duo opt for the former option and go for a sex driven show and hire a raunchy anchor, Vrushali, for it. The show was supposed to be called "Love Calls" and Tania, a girl from Baroda was assigned to it as the producer. And thats how things roll in the plot. 

Two characters in the book were inspired from real life personalities, Rajneesh Tiwari, from Arnab Goswami of the The Newshour fame and Charlie Angel from Bobby Darling. Their dialogues and actions were completely lifted from what we have seen Arnab and Bobby doing on TV. 

Honestly, the book didn't go well with me. Personally I think, it should have been at least 70-80 pages shorter. Also, the plot loses its track in between. Though, I must appreciate Naomi's writing and adding humorous lines and wit which cracked me up almost every time. The characters are well defined and are used well in the story. Also, Vrushali's nasty attempts for english speaking perfectly were nicely woven in the story. All and all, if you work for entertainment industry, specially TV, I am sure you would be able to relate to it at many levels.

( Review asked by Random House) 

The Cubicle Manifesto - Mainak Dhar

Title : The Cubicle Manifesto

Author : Mainak Dhar

Pages : 115

Genre : Self Help

Publisher : Ebury Press
ISBN : 9780091947972

I got this book few hours back. The title was intriguing and I picked it up. Hardly 115 pages this book has but its a complete eye opener. The book has been categorised under "Self Help" section by the publisher, but I would say its much more than that. If you ask me to summarise this book in one line, I would like to put it this way

"Its all about prioritising, making rules and follow them religiously"

This is what the book tells us in an rather way and a huge shout out to Mainak Dhar, the author, to coming up with it. I absolutely loved it.

Honestly, when I read the author's note, I was a bit disappointed. I thought, its another of that "Gyaan Giving" books. Towards the end of the author's note, I was absolutely sure, this one I am gonna drop in midway. But, the first chapter took me by complete surprise.

Mayukh is a happily married man and has his dream job. But, his work life is taking  a toll on him. One morning when he is too scared and going berserk about the current project that he is working on, he realises that his computer has been attacked with a virus named "The Cubicle Manifesto". Just imagine, how pissed off you would be, when something like this would happen to you.

The virus was nothing more than nagging girlfriend. Telling him, what to do, what not to do, how to do and turned Mayukh off so badly that he wanted to smash his laptop on the floor. Little did he know, what the virus was up to, when he realises that the virus is actually trying to help him, and thats when things start getting better for Mayukh and how? Well, for that you need to read this book.

I have often seen and have experienced myself that when you are at your workplace, there is this eerie tension and baggage that you always carry on your shoulders. Well, if you read this book, you would know why it is like that. Mainak has come up to sort out the issues in quite an interesting and appealing way which I am sure, if someone is facing the Cubicle Tyranny, would instantly connect to and would try to implement the things being told in the book.

Give it a shot, you workaholics. I am sure you would not regret reading this one.

(Review asked by Random House)

The Family Corleone - Ed Falco

 Title : The Family Corleone

 Author : Ed Falco

 Pages : 431 

 Genre : Fiction 

 ISBN : 978-0-434-02900-7

Honestly, it takes too much guts to touch something like "The Godfather" and weave a story around its characters. The movie series and the book, both are epic in their own way. The characters, the dialogues and the quotes of The Godfather are something which haven't faded in the all these days. People still like them, praise them and watch/read them religiously.

Ed Falco, an award winning American author took a task to use the screenplay of the greatest book of its times The Godfather by Mario Puzo and wrote a prequel to it. His work is commendable, no two thoughts about that. I throughly enjoyed reading this book. Falco, collected the material left by Mario Puzo and worked his guts out to write something that comes across as a genuine work of fiction.

The book is about the journey of  Vito Corleone to become the most powerful don in New York amidst all the criminal rage breaking out, during the times of the Great Depression. Also, it focuses on Luca Brasi and his life thoroughly, the ghosts of his past. Vito wants his oldest child Sonny to become a businessman, but Sonny is ardent on joining the real family business. The 17 year old Sonny, as shown in the book, is highly impatient and reckless and creates a lot of mess. The story of the book is gripping and once you are through the first 50 pages of the book, it is a complete page turner and you will be hooked to it.

Another important character of the book is Tom Hagen, and Falcon has focussed on his story quite well. How Tom Hagen became a part of the Corleone family has been told in the book and in an impressive way. The language of the book is simple. Though, I had to keep referring to the glossary of Italian words (given at the end of the book) used in the narration again and again. But, its a good thing because I learnt a few Italian words too :D

If you are a die hard fan of the Godfather book and the movie series, this book is a must read for you. I can vouch for that you will get answers to things that you've always wanted to know.

(Review asked by Random House)

The Valmiki Syndrome by Ashok Banker

Author: Ashok Banker

Publisher: Random House, India

ISBN: 978-8-184-00141-9

Binding: Paperback

Pages: 278

Genre: Self-help

Rating: 2.5/5

I have to begin with my admission of having a hate-love (more hate than love) relationship with this author. Despite my ordeal with his Ramayana series, which is also something I’m currently reading, I chose to read The Valmiki Syndrome. Why? Partly, because I was ensnared by the title, and partly, because Random House asked me to review it. And at the end of the book, my perception of the author remains the same. However, the book wasn’t as bad as some other ‘preachy’ ones I’ve read; mostly because it uses mini stories to prove the point. Ashok Banker extols the value, and demonstrates the ancient technique of, katha (storytelling) as a way of gaining insight, knowledge and subsequently, wisdom in this book.

The book talks about The Valmiki Syndrome – the common human conundrum of trying to find the work-life balance. I’m not sure if a concept like this existed, or has been conjured up by the author. I think it is the latter. While using Sage Valmiki’s story as an example was okay, calling the whole problem of work-life balance ‘The Valmiki Syndrome’ was stretching it. The book could easily have been called something like ‘The Work-Life Question’, ‘The Urban Dilemma’ or something else that sounds self-help-ey. But Banker’s love of Ramayana and a clever marketing ploy may have prompted this title. There is a resurgence of interest in Indian mythology in the current generation, and like it tricked me to pick up the book, it will many others.

As I’ve mentioned above, the book has three mini stories about three very different lives. There is an extremely ambitious Suhasini; there is Sara, who rebels to find success in a field not approved of by her family; and there is the dreaded dacoit Ratnakaran, who kills and steals to make a living. The consequences of their chosen paths are very different – Suhasini, on a career overdrive, loses her husband and children; Sara succeeds on her path despite the initial estrangement from her family and goes on to get the best of both worlds; and Ratnakaran realizes, with the help of Rishi Narada, that his family does not really support his means, and goes on to mend his ways by treading the spiritual path.

Through the stories, the author tries to encourage the reader to ask oneself three fundamental questions about identity and life. Who am I? Who do I wish to be? How do I become that person? Once a person mulls upon and is able to answer these questions, he is able to find his life path. He is able to prioritise, act upon, and change his life situation for the better. These are pertinent philosophical questions and I liked the book for them. The author is able to demonstrate simply and easily their importance. The packaging of this ancient wisdom is clever.

My only misgiving, as with all of Banker’s books, is his style of writing. I find it boring, especially in parts where it is Banker speaking. As long as he has his story voice on, where the characters talk, he is tolerable. But when his own opinions come across, he begins to sound ‘bleh’. It’s like ‘I’m not preaching, but do this…’, ‘I’m not being a guru, but do that…’. Yeah, okay, Mister Banker, you’re not trying to preach, but you are. Don’t.

Tea For Two & A Piece Of Cake - Preeti Shenoy

Title - Tea for two and a piece of cake
Author - Preeti Shenoy
Publisher - Random house India
ISBN - 978-81-8400-279-9
Genre - Fiction
Pages - 265

Preeti Shenoy is one of my favourite writers for a simple fact that her writing has no tantrums. It's simple and to the point which makes her books interesting. The first book I read of hers was "Life is what you make it" which I've reviewed here. The interesting thing about her books is the title. "Life is what you make it" inspired me in a way and hence I decided to pick up her latest book "Tea for two and a piece of cake".

Nisha, a simple, 26 year old girl who is very content with the way her life is going. Her job is everything for her. But, suddenly unexpected things happen and she falls for a guy. The guy is a richie -rich and she loves him to the core. But, the book begins with when Samir, her husband, dumps her abruptly. She being abandoned by her husband, Samir, breaks in her a way, but she is a wise woman and never lets anyone hurt her self respect. 

In her quest of life, with her two children, an old friend of her comes back as a breath of fresh air.  Akash, Nisha's ex-colleague and a very good friend tries to fix her life. There are a few more characters in the book which are well defined and have affected, taught Nisha a few harsh realities of life. 

It took me less than 5 hours to finish this one. Yes, its fast paced and hence I said, Preeti Shenoy's writings has no tantrums. It will keep you hooked till the end and would definitely supply you a few things to ponder on.