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, Erotic fiction

Lustful but spiritual by Mike M Luster | Review

In this novel, you will meet Mike, a massage enthusiast. He seems to be always struggling to overcome his lust. He wants to be faithful but he can’t deny his desires to fuck another woman. He is spiritual by nature but on the other hand, his physical need for sexual satisfaction seems to be dominant. However, deep inside him is his great passion to change for good… Love him for his kindness to women. Hate him for his being unfaithful. But one thing for sure that someday he will spiritually evolve and might lead a new spiritual organization.

Title: Lustful but spiritual

Author: Mike M Luster

Genre: Erotica

My review

Lustful but spiritual by Mike M Luster is a perfect wild ride of erotic romance. Mike is a realistic character. He is good at heart because he understands his infidelity. He knows his weakness but he is unable to control it. Wherever he goes this lust quickly direct him to the earliest opportunity of pleasure. These adventurous endeavours has now reached a level that threatens the stability of his family life as well.

What makes this novel an exceptional piece is, its strong and realistic narration. The story doesn’t rush into anything. The author consciously crafts emotional connections between the characters first. This way he justifies the actions of the protagonist to a certain extent. Also, this gives a strong framework which he can turn into any directions at any given time. This unpredictability along with the adventurous nature of Mike is a perfect combination for an erotic drama. He refuse to surrender his innate nature. This way he lives every day to fulfil his desires.

A very good pleasure read indeed.

Read this novel here: inkitt.com

Amina Thajudeen Uncategorized

The Plait by Tawab Adam | Review

Listen to the reed, how it complains…telling a story of separation…Misha is a rising star at Moscow University. Preparing to become a doctor. He entertains his fellow students by putting on satirical shows. It is not until the University Rector spies Mischa using an image of the great leader Brezhnev as toilet paper. Life takes an unexpected turn. Disgraced and shamed, Mischa is sent to war torn Afghanistan to fight the Mujahedeen.The horrors of war surround him. Gone are the battlefields of WWII. In the unforgiving mountains of Afghanistan, Misha’s Russian heritage and beauty attract the attention of the paedophile mujahi-deen. They allege he is a spy and inflict upon him the most degrading forms of torture they can devise.Unsure what destiny has in store for him, Mischa crosses paths with the independent and alluring Aryana and a spiritual wanderer known only as the Master, a man with insights few possess. Under his teachings, Mischa comes closer to unlocking his true potential. Lost in the strange place between peace and violence, Mischa is on the verge of emerging from darkness and illuminating the world. If he survives.Back in Moscow, Mischa is presumed dead. The Deputy Minister of Defense presents Mischa’s mother with the Hero of the Soviet Union medal only to have it cast back at his face. Enraged, he orders her arrested and taken to the psychiatric hospital. Fate intervenes when a university friend of Mischa’s, Yaakov, gets the Russian Premiere involved. But with each act complications arise. One man’s fate hangs in the balance and with it the future of the entire world. Does Mischa have the strength to become more than he ever imagined?

Title: The Plait

Author: Tawab Adam

Pages: 385

My review

The Plait is a masterpiece novel. This is a very interesting story narrated in an exceptional way. Misha, the young university student is unwillingly dragged into a variety of incidents such as politics, greed, racism, nuclear war, and conspiracy. I really liked the satirical take on politics throughout the story.

Misha was unexpectedly dragged into this drama. His quiet and peaceful life is quickly turned into pathetic and terrible. Life pushed him into his limit. But there is always light at the end of the tunnel. At some points, I was desperate for a twist in Misha’s life. Because he doesn’t deserve any of those tortures. Everything happens for a reason. His whole life was changed because of these terrible incidents. He was able to unlock the next level of spirituality only because of this.

The climax was a perfect conclusion for this story. It felt like a circle, coming back to where all of this started. But this new Misha came back with an enlightened spirit and energized mind. His intelligence was increased multifold. Everything falls into its own place at the end.

This large story touched many contemporary concepts and issues. One major highlight is political drama. The author has portrayed the unadulterated dark side of power politics. The change was inevitable. The journey of Misha ends with achieving that change.

All the characters are developed very well, especially Misha’s. His emotions, frustrations, and fears are convincingly portrayed. This gave depth to this character. The story is narrated smoothly from beginning to end. The author has carried the central theme of this story perfectly to its climax. Overall, this is a very good read.

Rating:5/5

Amina Thajudeen Book Review, Fiction, Thriller

Winston Churchill’s Renegade Spy by Steve Haberman | Review

Mid-1940, the darkest of the nights for Britain during WWII. Adolf Hitler’s unstoppable military has conquered most of Europe, including France, only twenty miles from the English coast. It is now set to conquer the island-nation itself. Plotting to aid this onslaught, a German spy lurks somewhere within Winston Churchill’s government.

​Such is the dire news an emissary of the prime minister secretly brings to disgraced Churchill bodyguard, Jonas Shaw, an ex-New York City detective, along with a plea: help discover the agent before the Nazis invade. Shaw has faced many challenges in his eventful life, but none as dangerous and fateful as this one, helping save Western civilization. First in a series.

Title: Winston Churchill’s Renegade Spy

Author: Steve Haberman

Pages: 265

My review

Winston Churchill’s Renegade Spy is a blend of action, politics, mystery, and conspiracy, all set in the background of WWII. Britain is on the verge of invasion and the prime minister suspects the presence of a German Spy within his government. Jonas Shaw, who was previously worked as Churchill’s bodyguard is bought back to find out the identity of this spy. This is his journey through conspiracy filled ditches of politics where greed is a prestigious possession. As he dives deep into this, the plot slowly unwinds. His suspicion changes with the introduction of new characters and twists. With the time running out, this grueling investigation is taking a toll on everyone’s life.

This is undoubtedly a well-written story. The deceptive nature of humans and how it frames the face of a generation is the crux of this story. The author transports us back to the exact scenario of WWII from the first page. The fear and misery bought by an imminent invasion is convincingly portrayed in the story. The economical and social challenges and how it has affected the lives of civilians are also mentioned. Although this is a very fast-paced thriller, the author has tactically introduced a vivid portrait of the war-wrecked society inside it.

A must-read for every thriller lovers.

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

Marketing Strategy Ultimate Planning Guide : For Entrepreneurs & Small Business Owners by Scott Poniewaz | Review

A Marketing Strategy is at the core of any business and a marketing strategy is a must-have for any business owner or entrepreneur. This simplified, step-by-step guide to building, planning, and executing a marketing strategy is required reading for anyone trying to fuel growth and revenue for their startup or small-business.

Peter Drucker, the famous management consultant, said “Because the purpose of business is to create a customer, the business enterprise has two–and only two–basic functions: marketing and innovation.”

Many business owners and entrepreneurs think of marketing as an afterthought in their busy days. In reality, a well-planned, consistent marketing strategy is as necessary to keep your business growing consistently as a fitness plan is to keep your body healthy. In this marketing strategy ultimate planning guide, you will walk away with the tactics, tools, and tricks to build a plan that will be easy to follow, implement, and run even if you always struggle to maintain consistent marketing efforts. Boost your marketing strategy and grow your business in this unparalleled guide.

Title: Marketing Strategy Ultimate Planning Guide : For Entrepreneurs & Small Business Owners

Author: Scott Poniewaz

Pages: 71

My review

Marketing is the driving force of a business. If there are no customers then there will be no existence for the business. Converting an audience into potential buyers needs effective strategies. Being a sought after marketing specialist, the author draws wisdom from his years of experience to this book. Scott is a serial entrepreneur and marketing strategist. He has been on both sides of a business, such as building a marketable product as well as reaching out to the buyers. This unique knowledge led him to greater success in this field. This book is a concise summary of his battle-tested tactics. Because of that, I find these techniques, believable, practical, and most importantly converting.

This book addresses all entrepreneurs and business owners. Because the basic principles of marketing remain the same regardless of the nature of business. These strategies dissect down the business to its end. It helps to analyze your competitors, their products, their audience with your product and its unique features. Finding this gap is the first step.

Marketing is now technology-driven. So the author also explains the methods and plans that have to be adopted to use this technological arm for marketing.

One of the best features I found in this book is simplicity. The author explains A-Z details with utmost clarity, without giving any chance to raise doubts in between. But this is not a book with theoretical concepts. It has an implementation plan. This unique feature separates this one from others.

The completeness of this book is fascinating. The author has left no stones unturned while writing this book. A must-read for everyone who wants to learn or innovate their marketing skills.

Rating:5/5

Amina Thajudeen Book Review, Children's books, Comics, Young-Adult

Delly Belly by Milan Paul Kumar | Review

What if a mysterious event could save you from your most embarrassing moments? What if it could teach you everything you need to know and transport you back in time to get it right on your second try? Meet Dele – a successful young boy with a magical secret…

Title: Delly Belly

Author: Milan Paul Kumar

Pages: 13

My review

Dele is an ordinary boy. But he has a secret. His secret saves him from embarrassing situations. He is often bullied and body shamed by his peers. Instead of shutting himself off or reacting angrily, he looks into the reason. He gains his power from the very own subject that he is bullied. He considers his body as an asset and treasure. He regains his strength in all adversities. He is not the one who easily gives up.

This small story teaches our children a lot of valuable lessons. Dele has no friends. He certainly doesn’t excel in studies or physical activities. But he is a fighter. If you put him in a situation he will fight with all his might. He has the strength to overcome his weakness. He has the determination to learn things that he doesn’t know. He has the fire to excel in every challenge. These all are undoubtedly the best qualities everyone needs to excel in life.

The illustrations are bright and vivid which surely create a spark of imagination in children’s minds. The author has narrated an excellent and meaningful story along with these illustrations.

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

Success Transformation Accelerator: 21 Day Blueprint by Dr. Alok Chandra| Review

Do you wish to achieve the successful life that you have always dreamed of by learning from the best? Would you like to reach the zenith of your career or profession but need expert guidance? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, keep reading …..
Let’s face it. Most, if not all, of us dream of leading successful lives. However, only a few are able to achieve it. It is no accident. The majority who do not attain greatness, do not have the essential guidance on what they need to do. The people who make it do so by learning from the best, leaving no stone unturned, and become exemplary professionals and excellent people. The rest do not realize their full potential and some keep dreaming for their entire lives.

After meeting with and studying great individuals, the author possesses a deep knowledge of what you need to materialize success in your life at breakneck speed. Therefore, this book was written to be extremely effective and simple to follow.

Title: Success Transformation Accelerator: 21 Day Blueprint

Author: Dr. Alok Chandra

Pages: 307

My review

Success is the only thing that is unquenchable in many minds. Sadly many of them never achieve what they want in life. I was always curious about achieving success and greatness in life. I admired people who have the grit to achieve their dreams. What is the secret code for success? Is there any hidden formula for achieving it? These questions lead my way to this book.

This is the voice of an extremely successful person. This blueprint presents the common success traits extracted from highly successful people as well as the author’s life. This book demystifies all myths around success. It demolishes all doubts.

The book begins with a chapter on luck. What a way to start a book about success! Because we all are in one way or another, ties success with luck. The more we fail, the more we blame luck or rely on it. But luck does not deserve any importance in success. This powerful tool has many chapters like this which establishes the author’s arguments, undoubtedly.

This is clearly a success accelerator. The author cites experiences from his own and from his students and mentees to support this. These experiences are narrated as raw and unadulterated. We can see and interpret how the author has defined his goals and draw a blueprint to reach those goals. But the important thing about making blueprint is they are useless without action. The last section of this book teaches us how to keep going amidst all odds. Loved the content as well as its presentation.

Amina Thajudeen Book Review, Fantacy, Science Fiction, Thriller

The Next Step by Adrian Siska | Review

The story revolves around Adam Moore, the son of groundbreaking innovators and founders of the leading company in the android industry based in San Francisco. It’s the second half of the 21st century and androids have become a part of the every day’s routine in all aspects of life.

Take on an epic journey throughout Adam’s life from his childhood to his adult years to find out what will be the next step in the evolution of androids. You will witness a fascinating story about love and the ultimate fight for happiness.

Title: The Next Step

Author: Adrian Siska

Pages: 241

My review

The Next Step by Adrian Siska is a beautifully written sci-fi thriller. The premise of android technology and artificial intelligence is not a distant idea now. But I was curious to find out what will be the next step. What will be our immediate future?

I am always looking forward to this kind of stories. I’m curious to explore the extent of imagination and innovation that an author can create through their sci-fi books. For me getting lost in this new world is very easy. Every impossible idea becomes possible because of our imagination. The extend of control over our brain determines the height of craziness in the idea. The modern world is built on this capability. We are already familiar with the power of artificial intelligence and its possibilities. But what will be the next step in this field? What will be the next impossible?

I must say the author has created a very good answer for this question. It is not a mind-blowing idea because it is only “the next step”, the next possibility. The story is more realistic in this sense. It is believable. The characters are developed very well over time. Almost ninety percent of the story revolves around Adam Moore. His emotions, pain, friendship, love, intelligence are explored throughout the story. It was heartwarming to see how Adam has picked up the pieces of his broken life and create another beautiful family amidst conspiracy and deception. The bond he has with Kim is so special. This relationship has been grown beyond limits over the years. We can witness how she becomes an integral part of his identity. That’s why he was determined to surpass his limits. He is a true warrior.

The brilliance of this story lies in the attention to details. The author has included every problem that may arise with the spread of automation. It was scary to know these. But it is the future.

A brilliant work indeed.

Rating:5/5

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

White Knuckle by Steven Bruce|Review

Bruce’s debut poetry collection, an autobiographical report on the reality of life in a poverty-stricken, drug and violence-fuelled environment, is a gut-wrenching composition of grief, loss, and abandonment at an early age.

This powerful book is brutal, tragic, and moving: an essential read.

Title: White Knuckle

Author: Steven Bruce

Pages: 100

My review

Raw, brutal and honest.


These poems drag us from our comfort zone and suddenly throw to a rollercoaster of emotions. The highs and lows are filled with misery. There is no middle ground. The suffering is real. The unpolished edges of these words will scratch our mind. This is an in-depth essay unravelling through complex human emotions. Their beauty lies in their unadulterated voice. We can feel the white knuckle against our face in each poem. It hurts because it is meant to be.

Broken dreams, pain, anger, abuse, frustration, death, greed, hunger… everything is poured through words. But these are not like any other poems. Because amidst this crushing pain, they all have one common feature- a hidden sense of survival. These are not served with the sugar-coating of hope. Rather, they all have a pinch of survival instinct in every line.

Pain is the greatest lesson. We don’t remember happiness but we remember every pain we had. It opens a new path for redemption. We can witness that redemption here.

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

The Addicted Child: A Parent’s Guide to Adolescent Substance Abuse by Richard Capriola

The workbook is the companion to The Addicted Child: A Parent’s Guide to Adolescent Substance Abuse. Together they are a parent’s roadmap to understanding, assessing and finding resources to help battle adolescent substance abuse. In the pages of the workbook parents examine their family history of substance abuse, assess their child’s motivation to change substance use behaviors, identify how their child’s behavior has changed under the influence of substances, and use exercises to help cope with anxiety. This workbook and the companion book are resources for any family member interested in learning about adolescent substance abuse and options that are available for diagnosis and treatment. 

Title: The Addicted Child: A Parent’s Guide to Adolescent Substance Abuse 

Author: Richard Capriola

Pages: 103

My review

Substance abuse in adolescent child is a very difficult issue to handle. The responsibility lies exclusively on parents. To successfully navigate through this difficult situation, you need a guide. A roadmap, which explains everything about addiction, diagnosis and treatment. This book bridges that gap.

Substance abuse in children is often a neglected subject in the mainstream media. It never gets the deserved attention. People never realize its long-lasting effect because of lack of education. The author presents some shocking data obtained from teenagers to prove the height of neglect on this issue, prevailing in our society. Drug abuse became a normal subject among the children. Through this book, the author explains how early substance abuse hinders the brain development and creates psychological issues in adolescent children.

This systematic guide has every information we need to manage this situation. The roadmap explains how we can assess the substance abuse in our child informally and later comprehensively. This guide also has information about the most common drugs and their side effects. The book concludes with information about support groups, educational consultant and mental health resources for additional reading.

Through this book, the author has given his honest effort to destigmatise “addiction” in children. Proper education is the need of the hour in this subject. Very helpful guide.

Rating:5/5