Amina Thajudeen Book Review, Children's books, Travelogue

The Excellent Adventures of Hubie and Honey by T. J. Mueller : A Lesson in Courage and Connection

​We all have grand aspirations, but it’s often our own inner voice of fear that becomes the biggest discouragement. “The Excellent Adventures of Hubie and Honey” illustrates this meaningful concept perfectly. In just thirty-nine perfectly written pages, this small book imparts timeless wisdom to budding minds, crafting a beautiful narrative about overcoming one’s own insecurities and fears through meaningful and supportive relationships. 

This is far more than a simple story; it’s a guide to believing in oneself and understanding that every dream is achievable.​The book excels in its ability to present these profound life lessons within a well-paced and engaging narrative. The literary structure is certainly one of its greatest strengths; the author has skillfully organized the tale from beginning to end, using correct, evocative words that never hinder the story’s flow. The incidents are introduced at regular intervals, maintaining an even pace that keeps young readers thoroughly engrossed. It’s rare to find such a perfectly constructed piece of children’s literature that feels both effortless and meticulously crafted.

​The story centers on the unlikely duo in the Walker’s garden: Honey, the Italian greyhound dog, and Hubie, the worldly pond frog. Their friendship is founded on the thrill of adventure, fueled by Hubie’s incredible tales of his travels outside the garden’s boundaries. Honey’s great desire to see the outside world becomes a powerful illustration of dreaming big, but it is Hubie’s presence that provides the crucial spark of right guidance. This scenario beautifully conveys how important it is to circle yourself with friends who uplift your mindset and give you the courage to take the first step.

​The ensuing journey is an eventful trek that teaches children the necessity of helping each other in need and the pure joy of having fun together. No matter how daunting the world outside the garden may seem, the duo shows that if you are perseverant enough, nothing can stop you from reaching your goals. 

​Apart from the compelling narrative and its inherent moral value, the book is a visual delight. The vivid and beautiful illustrations certainly add another layer of depth, making the journey resonate even more strongly with the reader. 

Overall, “The Excellent Adventures of Hubie and Honey” is a well-written and well-meant book, a must-read for children and adults alike who need a reminder that adventure awaits just beyond their comfort zone.

Rating: 5/5

Amina Thajudeen Book Review

Mama I Owe You Nothing and Daddy Even Less by Simmer Breeze: A Review

Simmer Breeze’s “Mama I Owe You Nothing and Daddy Even Less” is a timely and thought-provoking exploration of the complex relationship between children and their aging parents. In a world that often prioritizes individual rights and freedoms, the book challenges us to reconsider our societal obligations to those who brought us into the world.

The author deftly navigates, emotional and ethical dilemmas faced by modern families, highlighting the disturbing trend of neglect and abandonment of elderly parents. Through a combination of personal anecdotes, societal observations, and legal analysis, the author sheds light on the pervasive attitudes that contribute to this crisis.

The book’s strength lies in its ability to connect personal stories with broader societal issues. Breeze’s candid reflections on her own family experiences make the abstract concepts of filial duty and generational responsibility relatable and tangible. By weaving together personal narratives with factual information, the author effectively demonstrates the real-world consequences of neglecting our elderly loved ones.

While the book’s title may seem provocative, it serves as a powerful statement about the prevailing attitudes of many individuals today. The author argues that our society has become increasingly self-centered, and that we often overlook the sacrifices made by our parents and grandparents. By challenging our assumptions and encouraging us to re-evaluate our priorities, the book offers a compelling call to action.

Overall, “Mama I Owe You Nothing and Daddy Even Less” is a valuable contribution to the ongoing conversation about family, responsibility, and aging. It is a must-read for anyone who cares about the well-being of their elderly loved ones and the future of our society.

Purchase here Amazon.com

Amina Thajudeen Book Review, non-fiction

Mastering Site Reliability Engineering with Machine Learning: Unleashing the Power of AI for Unmatched Reliability and Performance by Harish Padmanaban: A Review

Harish Padmanaban’s Mastering Site Reliability Engineering with Machine Learning is a timely and comprehensive guide that bridges the gap between traditional SRE practices and the transformative potential of artificial intelligence. The book offers a clear and accessible roadmap for integrating ML techniques into SRE workflows, empowering readers to enhance system reliability, optimize performance, and anticipate potential failures.

One of the book’s standout qualities is its ability to cater to readers at all levels. Padmanaban expertly balances technical depth with clarity, providing a solid foundation in machine learning concepts while also delving into practical applications. The author’s expertise is evident in his ability to demystify complex algorithms and make them relatable to SRE professionals.

The book’s structure is well-organized, guiding readers through the essential aspects of SRE, machine learning fundamentals, and their intersection. The author begins by establishing a strong understanding of SRE principles, including its role in ensuring system reliability and performance. He then introduces the basics of machine learning, covering key concepts like supervised and unsupervised learning, neural networks, and algorithms.

A particular strength of the book lies in its emphasis on data collection and preprocessing. The author highlights the critical importance of high-quality data for training ML models and provides valuable insights into data cleaning, feature engineering, and anomaly detection techniques. This section is essential for SRE practitioners looking to leverage ML effectively.

The author’s exploration of predictive maintenance, capacity planning, and incident management is particularly insightful. He demonstrates how ML can be used to anticipate system failures, optimize resource allocation, and automate incident response processes. The real-world examples and case studies provided throughout the book reinforce these concepts and make them more tangible.

The book also addresses the crucial aspects of security and compliance in the context of ML-driven SRE. The author discusses the challenges of protecting sensitive data and ensuring that ML models are fair and unbiased. This section is essential for organizations that prioritize data privacy and ethical AI.

In conclusion, Mastering Site Reliability Engineering with Machine Learning is a valuable resource for anyone seeking to harness the power of AI to improve system reliability and performance. The book’s clear explanations, practical examples, and comprehensive coverage of key topics make it a must-read for SRE professionals and those interested in exploring the intersection of technology and operations. By following the guidance provided in this book, readers can position themselves at the forefront of the SRE revolution.

Purchase now: Amazon.com Amazon.in

Amina Thajudeen Book Review, non-fiction

Longevity: Lessons from Life by Sabira Arefin and Hayden Yizhuo Zhang: A Review

Longevity: Lessons from Life: A Guide to Healthier, Longer, and More Fulfilling Living by Sabira Arefin and Hayden Yizhuo Zhang is a comprehensive guide to achieving a long, healthy, and fulfilling life. It delves deeper than just extending the years we live, emphasizing the importance of quality over quantity.

The book explores the science behind aging, unpacking the complex interplay between genetics, lifestyle choices, and the environment. It then dives into the exciting world of longevity research, showcasing groundbreaking discoveries that offer hope for extended lifespans.

“Longevity” isn’t just about fad diets or quick fixes. The authors champion a holistic approach, emphasizing the interconnectedness of physical health, mental well-being, social connections, and even the environment we live in. They highlight the importance of nourishing our bodies with proper nutrition, engaging in regular exercise, and managing stress effectively.

The book explores the gut microbiome’s influence on longevity and delves into detoxification strategies for long-term health. It sheds light on the often-overlooked lymphatic system, showcasing its vital role in maintaining vitality.

The book doesn’t shy away from the impact of our surroundings. It emphasizes the need for healthy living spaces and fostering a connection with nature. Recognizing the mind-body connection, the authors explore mindfulness, meditation, and other techniques to cultivate emotional well-being and mental resilience.

They don’t stop there. the book highlights the importance of fostering strong social networks and maintaining a positive outlook. The book explores the concept of finding purpose in life, arguing that purpose and resilience are key factors in achieving longevity.

Ultimately, “Longevity: Lessons from Life” is a well-rounded guide that empowers readers to take charge of their health and well-being. It showcases a path towards not just living longer, but living a vibrant, meaningful, and fulfilling life with a lasting impact.

Link to book : Amazon.com

Amina Thajudeen Book Review, non-fiction, Self-Help

Wisdom: A Very Valuable Virtue that Cannot Be Bought by Jason A. Merchey| Review

Jason A. Merchey’s Wisdom: A Very Valuable Virtue that Cannot Be Bought is an attempt to simplify a widely ignored and misunderstood concept. Wisdom is frequently dismissed as too philosophical and inaccessible to the average person. But isn’t it that difficult? Not at all. Jason Merchey is proving it to be otherwise. With devotion, it can be understood and internalized.

Wisdom is the skill that helps us to regulate our behaviors towards ourselves, others, and geopolitical issues in the world. The twenty-first-century generation particularly lacks this skill. They have made enormous improvements in terms of technology and science. But they are socially isolated, ignorant and unwise. This encourages the inherently destructive nature of humans and their toxic traits. Ignorant communities led by unwise leaders will surely lead to the misuse of power. Someone who doesn’t know when to show power and mercy will ultimately lead us to catastrophe. Hence, wisdom should be learnt and applied to our own existence.

What I liked most about this book is its clarity. The author used his rational and just views of the world to explain the concepts. This is a well-structured book that essentially shows the author’s knowledge of this subject. Because writing on a topic that is difficult to define but necessary for survival necessitates a high level of comprehension. For a better understanding of the concepts, we can divide the book into two parts. In the first part, the author talks about wise qualities such as generosity, kindness, love, emotional regulation, intelligence, empathy, compassion, and modesty. This part is a treasure of knowledge. It clearly draws the line between what is wrong and what is right. The next part is about the applicability of wisdom. Gaining knowledge is one part. But how can we apply these lessons to our lives and achieve the most from our mere 100 years of existence? Life cannot be lived without patience, delayed gratification, self-awareness, and self-discipline. All these qualities stem from wisdom. It can be nurtured and practiced. Only this can lead us to fulfilment in our lives.

Wisdom gives a realistic perspective on all the things happening around us. It helps to articulate our decisions and actions. It creates a sense of responsibility and humility towards our actions. With these qualities, one can anticipate problems and act accordingly. This book should be approached with an open mind to learn and an unbiased view for understanding. With this attitude, we can easily assimilate the wisdom of ancient Greek philosophers to 21st-century thinkers. This vast knowledge is intimidating. But disregarding this opportunity will be the greatest regret of one’s life.

Rating:5/5

Purchase here: Amazon.com

Amina Thajudeen Book Review, non-fiction, Self-Help

Make Your Own Job by W M Hovey Smith|Review

Make Your Own Job by W M Hovey Smith is a comprehensive guide to reinvent new opportunities in life. The gig economy is the new normal. Covid-19 crisis and subsequent massive layoffs have clearly taught us one thing- our jobs are impermanent. Job security is a myth in the fast-growing technological world. The best career advice in this era is to Make Your Own Job. In the author’s words, stay and lose your job or move.

Make Your Own Job is a wholesome guide to kick-start our entrepreneurial career. The author details how to start a one-person business from scratch. From raising the capital to marketing and legalizing the business, everything is covered in this guide. The possible challenges and their solutions along with ideas to scale the business are explained very skillfully in this book. This includes a comprehensive guide to finding a work-life balance and taking care of mental and physical health in these turbulent times. Overall, Make Your Job is an A-Z guide to build a scalable business that serves our own advantages.

Rating:5/5

Amina Thajudeen Book Review, Fiction, Young-Adult

Rick With A (Bipolar) View by Christopher Griffith| Review

Rick is wracked by the ravages of mental illness. Bipolar disorder, to be exact, although being just a twentysomething he still has enough optimism to see himself through the vagaries of depression and anxiety. His friendships help him, and his love for Lucy, and then there’s his passion for electronic music: Rick doesn’t want a job behind some desk, he wants to be a superstar DJ.

In this coming of age novel, we follow Rick through a week of his life, a week in which he must as ever work through and with his mental illness, treading the tightrope between sanity and bipolar disorder, stability and depression, peace and anxiety, and all whilst he’s dealing with the fluctuating love of friendships for his mates, his sister and his girlfriend.

As the climax of the week approaches, two paths lie open for Rick – an interview on Thursday with the possibility of seeing his twentysomething years morph into mundane, calamitous thirties, or a DJ gig on Friday when electronic music could win the day and see his coming of age crowned by a possible cure for his mental illness, the melody of the music overcoming bipolar disorder, depression and anxiety alike.

Purchase here: Amazon.com

My review

What an amazing story this was! This is a slice of life served with the very taste and spice.

Rick With a (Bipolar) View by Christopher Griffith is a heartwarming story of a person with mental illness. Rick has been suffering from depression and bipolar disease. He has to row past his overwhelming thoughts to find the thin line between sanity and instability. We get a glimpse of his life in a week. How he tries to overcome each day through the help of his sister, girlfriend and mates.

What makes this book a unique work is its realistic take on life. The author never attempts to exaggerate Rick’s life. He is an ordinary guy with a normal life and aspirations. Through the ever-changing thoughts of Rick, the author tries to incorporate the daily struggles everyone has to bear. Life is a race for the next big thing. You can’t sit ideal. It is all about decisions. Life is hard for even a sane human being. It will be too hard for someone with a mental illness. To find the meaning of life amidst all the restlessness and instability is the hardest part.


I loved the central theme of this story. Author Christopher Griffith deserves a huge applause for bringing this theme into his work. Bipolar and depression are often two less talked topics in literature. You can rarely find a protagonist struggling with mental illness in stories. Representation matters and this should snowball to a much greater discussion on this subject. It is already too late to normalize these conversations. The community support system is a major factor for the survival of persons with mental illnesses. They have the same right to live a life like us.


A story will not be complete without a good climax. I loved how Rick managed to find his passion and a breakthrough in life at the end. Hope cures most of our problems. Without hope, we are truly helpless. Rick’s story is an example of this. Overall, this was a well written and skillfully narrated story.

Rating:5/5

Amina Thajudeen Author Interview, Book Review, non-fiction

An Interview with Sukhendu Mandal

Today I’ll be hosting Dr Sukhendu Mandal, author of Beyond Placebo: Harness the power of your words in my blog. Sukhendu began his writing journey in 2016. Inspired by the cultural mythologies and stories from the Indian yogic system he began studying the various forms of yogic discipline. His first book Beyond Placebo was inspired by various healing systems and techniques practised by people. It is available for purchase from books2read.com The author also had deep healing experiences in the process of writing this book series.

  • When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

During my graduation years, I was inspired by writing.

  • How long have you been writing?

I started the writing project in 2016.

  • What inspired you to write this book?

My own healing journey inspired me to interact with people around the country. This book is designed over multiple interactions with people. Rooted in the ancient yogic systems and refined with knowledge of human behavior, Beyond Placebo offers a powerful healing system with simple words. A tool that has the power to create and shift your reality as you read through.

With the 60+ self-healing codes in this book, you will discover how to:

★ Access the Power of Words

★ Healing by yourself with a simple sleep healing meditation

★ Transform your Mental and Emotional well-being

★ Release effects of Childhood Trauma

★ Erase scars of Narcissistic abuse

★ Break the curse of Inherited Generational trauma

★ Harmonize your Relationship with Self and Others

★ Unlock your path of Inner Transformation

★ Experience the State of Self Realization

★ Realize your Innate Healing Ability

★ Create your Healing Modalities

★ Master the ability to rewrite your Reality

You can purchase the book from here: books2read.com

  • What is the most difficult part of your artistic process?

I write on the Indian yogic system and spirituality. The most difficult part is breaking past the cultural belief systems and spiritual metaphors. It sometimes takes years to refine certain topics.

  • What is the most surprising thing you discovered while writing your book?

I discovered a special gift of storytelling and therapeutic communications in the process of writing this book.

  • Who is your favourite author and why?

Paulo Coelho

  • What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?

Author: Chris Comish

  • Writing can be an emotionally draining and stressful pursuit. Any tips for aspiring writers?

Yes. I realize it closely. For weeks I stay in saturated space after writing a few creative pages. This happens especially in creative writing styles. After a peak of inspiration overnight, it would pause for weeks or even months.

The best thing to do is allow the flow. There is no use forcing self to write as the material ends up getting deleted in the editing phase.

  • Are you working on anything at the present you would like to share with your readers about?

Yes. I am working on an ancient form of yogic practise that was known only to a few yogis. This form of practice creates intense spiritual transformation in the span of 21-42 days.

You can reach out to me to keep up-to-date with my upcoming projects here www.beyondplacebo.co.in

Amina Thajudeen Book Review, Poems, poetry, Quotes, Self-Help

Discontinued: A Short Film by LeShane | Review

A Global Pandemic, Unprecedented levels of Social Unrest, and The Loss of Family & Friends. These are the seemingly insurmountable forces that a young man from Tulsa, Oklahoma must face as he attempts to both grieve and heal.

As the young man navigates through his current circumstance, he battles with a variety of human emotions. Full of deep and resonant poems that invoke melancholia, thoughtfulness, hope, and encouragement Discontinued: A Short Film is a masterful depiction of the grieving process from initial denial to acceptance and growth.

A remarkable successor to Our Chemically Altered Romance, this poetic anthology will cause you to evaluate your perspective on the current state of the global society, reflect upon the past in thought provoking and meaningful ways, and cause you to marvel at our ability as humans to showcase resiliency and push forward through hardships to create a brighter future.

Title: Discontinued: A Short Film

Author: LeShane

Genre: Poetry

Pages: 110

My Review

Discontinued: A Short Film is a collection of beautifully written, thought-provoking poems. They express human emotions in their raw, unadulterated, unapologetic form. The words contain so much pain, anger and they spill the truth about our world. The author lost a dear friend and this event is marked in the first poem. The rest of them reflects his pain on this insurmountable loss. His grief leads him to unexplored places. He becomes less reactive and more of an observer. This leads him to inner conflicts and they are overflowed through these poems.

The poems are written in a unique style. Every verse brings out an incident from the author’s life and his perspective on them. Death and life is another recurring subject in these poems. Overcoming trauma is not an easy subject to write or explain. Everyone has their own way to heal. Nevertheless, the author has penned his thoughts and process through these poems.

I really loved how he structured his poems. Every poem tells you a story. Sometimes, it is about family, friends, experiences etc. It comes to a full circle at the end. He returns to where he began. In a way, these poems represent the uncertainty and unpredictable nature of our lives. Even the title of this book makes sense at the end. It is the discontinued chapter of life but only a short one. The collection ends with a beautiful poem on hope. It evokes courage within our souls. No matter how painful life is, it must continue and we all are bound to survive.

Really loved this piece of writing. One of the best works in poetry!

Rating: 5/5

Purchase here: Amazon.com

Amina Thajudeen Author Interview, Book Review, Book Tour, Fiction, Thriller, Young-Adult

‘Read as often, and as many different books, as you can’: 10 Questions with Kayleigh Hughes

Today I’ll be hosting author Kayleigh Hughes on my blog. Her debut novel Meanwhile…  is available on Amazon.com

Kayleigh Hughes first discovered her passion for writing stories in her teens, them being
mainly drama, thriller, with the occasional bit of comedy. She is the author of the first part of the Meanwhile… series, with the second and third currently in the works. When not immersed in her characters and their worlds, she is absorbing yet another piece of film or television trivia, or jamming on the guitar and bass.

It is my pleasure to welcome the author Kayleigh Hughes  to this episode.

  • When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

In my teens.

  • How long have you been writing?

Since I was about fifteen.

  • What inspired you to write Meanwhile…?

I had been reading Good As Dead by Mark Billingham, which depicts a hostage situation in a newsagent. The whole hostage situation type of story has always interested me, and whilst reading that book, I realized I wanted to write one of my own. I just didn’t plan on it developing into the story it did.

You can now order paperback and Kindle version of Meanwhile… from  Amazon.com Amazon.co.uk
  • What is the most difficult part of your artistic process?

At times, finding motivation.

  • What is the most surprising thing you discovered while writing your book?

In all honestly, that it seemed to be as good as others have said.

  • Who is your favorite author and why?

I don’t have just one – I couldn’t. Among my favorites are Ann Cleaves, Mark Billingham, and more recently, I have taken a liking to Richard Osman’s work (and am quite looking forward to his upcoming book). I just like their styles.

  • What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?

Well, whilst writing Meanwhile…, I binged a lot of Stephen King’s books, so possibly The Stand and 11.22.63 . Also, Mark Billingham.

  • If you had to describe yourself in three words, what would they be?

Analytical. Diligent. Procrastinating.

  • Writing can be an emotionally draining and stressful pursuit. Any tips for aspiring writers?

Keep practicing. Don’t give up. Read as often, and as many different books, as you can, so as to familiarize yourself with different writing styles. Make sure you have your main plot points outlined. Take on board any (and I mean any) feedback you receive – get at least one other set of eyes to read your work, regardless of what number draft it is, because it will help you identify your strengths and weaknesses as a writer – be it dialogue or characterization – and help you to hone your craft. Try not to edit as you go along. The biggest one: just write.

  • Are you working on anything at the present you would like to share with your readers about?

The next book in the Meanwhile… series

You can follow me on Instagram @kayleighhughesauthor and Facebook @kayhughes  to keep up-to-date on the progress of this project

About Meanwhile…

It’s one bad day for Samuel Manson and Caroline Cleaver – Samuel’s running late with a train to catch, while Caroline has a score to settle. Placed together in a compromising situation, how long will it be before either one cracks?

First in a three part series. The next will follow in due course.

Purchase here: Amazon.com Amazon.co.uk