Amina Thajudeen Book Review, Fantacy, Fiction, Indian Authors

Binge and Nothingness by Juan Kaius| Book review

51h19J7t1eLTitle: Binge and Nothingness

Author: Juan Kaius

Pages:75

Blurb

If you are suffering from an existential crisis, do not read this book!

This is the story of Juan, a 25 year old boy, who after binging the joy out of everything, food, drugs, and entertainment, realizes that the only way left to fill the void is to fall into it. Thus, he embarks on one final journey – to jump off the top of a hill and end his life on a ‘high’ note. By doing this, he intends to set an example for his peers, all depressed and directionless individuals, who can follow him and attain the truest form of freedom. But does fate have one last absurd joke to play on him?

Set in McLeodganj, a mystical sanctuary of Tibetan Buddhism, this is a satirical take on our generation’s futile search for the meaning of life.

My review

Binge and Nothingness narrates a story of a 25-year-old young man who is suffering from an existential crisis. He is always in search of his life’s purpose. He has tried everything to extract pleasure. His search hits a dead end and he decides to give up his life. He is ready to embrace death for reaching a new “high”. He decides to jump off from a cliff at Triund, Dharamkot. But what if life has some other plans, waiting for him?

I really loved this story because of its uniqueness. I never ever came across a story like this before. The existential crisis of the new generation is embedded very carefully in the storyline. The explanation of this unique philosophy often drifted me from reading. The thoughts of Juan kept me thinking about those concepts much deeper. His views resonate with the present world very accurately. The observations of author in all the things mentioned in the story such as drugs, meditation, spirituality, life, greed, and lust is hundred percent correct. This alone glued me to the story until the end.

Honestly speaking, I have come across very few books that have the power to leave me astonished after reading. This is one of those rare books. The story is penned down very beautifully. The pinch of sarcasm till the very last page is something deserves a huge applause.

Rating:5/5

Purchase here: Amazon.in

Amina Thajudeen Book Review, Fantacy, Fiction, Thriller, Uncategorized

Barn Tales: Book 6 of Whispering Willows series by Diana Dawn| Book review

53190741._SX318_Title: Barn Tale: Book 6 of Whispering Willows series
Author: Diana Dawn
Language: English
Pages: 109

Blurb

The evil witch and the Captain that Lily fears so have found their way into the Willows. Lily is torn between two men whom she loves. But can she sort out her feelings amidst the trouble that Margurite and the Captain could potentially cause for the village? Does the answer to their problems lie within the mirror…within a time hundreds of years ago back in the House of White kingdom? ‘Barn Tales’ is the sixth book in the Whispering Willows series.

My Review

Barn Tales by Diana Dawn is the sixth installment of the Whispering Willows series. In this part, the story is entirely focused on Snow’s identical sister Lily. The previous book ended in a cliffhanger, that made me eagerly pick this one and read as soon as possible. Just like all the other five books, the author Diana Dawn has not disappointed me a bit. She brilliantly crafted this book too.

With the presence of Captain Philippe and the evil witch Margurite in willows, the plot is exciting from the beginning. The author doesn’t follow the usual pattern of storytelling in this book. She is narrating two parallel stories throughout the book, one is the struggle of Lily to decide between Thomas and Nate, the other is the mysteries around Captain and witch. I must say, she had done a marvelous job through this storytelling. She has narrated two different aspects of a story without losing its emotions to the core.

Lily is not at all identical to Snow in appearance but also in character too. She is also confused in love, an emotion she never experienced before. The author has well presented her viewpoints on love and her tender character of not hurting anybody. I really liked Lily on these points.

I really missed Snow in most of the parts. The author has now shifted her focus to Lily’s story and didn’t allow her to appear not more than one percent of the story. But I’m really looking forward to the next part. Because there are many unanswered questions in this story. I badly want to unwind these mysteries.

Rating: 5/5

Amina Thajudeen Book Review, Fantacy, Science Fiction, Young-Adult

Gypsy Flower by Diana Dawn|Book review

Title: Gypsy Flower: Book 4 of Whispering Willows series

Author: Diana Dawn

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Blurb

Snow is willing to risk everything to find the sister she never knew she had, even her new happy life in the Willows. Leaving her true love behind in search of her family, her plans are to bring her sister back to the Willows with her. But will her journey into the mirror bring her the outcome she desires…will she find her sister, or will she again face the witch, her stepmother Margurite? ‘Gypsy Flower’ is the fourth book in the Whispering Willows series.

Review

Gypsy Flower by Diana Dawn is the fourth installment of the Whispering Willows series. I have been following the story from the very beginning and was eager to know what happens next, when I took this one to read. Princess snow embarks a journey to find her long-lost sister at any cost. The path was unknown. She had absolutely no clues about her sister’s whereabouts at first. But slowly everything clears. She finds clues on the way. But this quest is just the beginning. The entire world of Princess Snow took a turn through this journey. As the author is revealing more and more at times, the story is becoming more mysterious. Just like other installments, she ends the story at a cliff hanger. But I must say this ending has a hint of unpredictability more than other books. Making readers dying to know what happens next!

The relationship between Snow and Mitch also getting interesting here. The author has given much depth to Snow’s character through all these books. A gradual evolution of her character is evident from beginning to now. A maturity in character and relationship is expected from her as a protagonist and she is a perfect blend of all emotions. The author has taken much time to unravel the sacred bond between sisters in the middle. But she was careful to not lose the pace. She is not giving away many details. I think this adds up mystery here and there. Many of the characters in Willows are suspicious from the beginning. Here in this part too, their mysteries are growing chapter by chapter.

Apart from the third book, the author has given more importance to the life and people of Willows in this book. It was a heart-warming part to read. With the introduction of new characters, once again the lives of Willows were picking up their lost rhythm.

I read in a single stretch because just like other installments, the narration is impeccable. I’m eagerly waiting to read the next one!

Rating:5/5
Amina Thajudeen Book Review, non-fiction, Self-Help

Nostradamus speaks again by Elisabeth Jorgensen|Book review

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Title: Nostradamus speaks again: Heaven paradise

Author: Elisabeth Jorgensen

Pages: 160

Blurb

NOSTRADAMUS speaks AGAIN TM
This book IS NOT what you THINK
Its about WHO YOU BELIEVE IN
Nostradamus Speaks AgainTM is a manuscript in book form as we would like to call it that not only reveals the innermost complicated human nature, but also the complicated time we are now approaching in no time at all! We would like the reader of this profound and not yet to come message to understand that nothing but ourselves are the message, and that is why this book never has come out beforehand. You the reader will go through a profound and deep transformation after reading such a message! Not only you, but the entire world will now call upon Your Time!
Messages to follow in this book of ALL KIND.
LIVE OUT YOUR LIFE NOW!
SEE US AS ONE
BE YOURSELF
PROTECTION!
RIGHT AWAY
WILL COME
THROUGH THIS WONDERFUL BOOK OF LOVE LIGHT AND
CHERISH FRUITS OF ALL KIND AND THEN WE WILL LET YOU
THE READER DECIDE WHETHER ITS NOW OR EVER NOW BEFORE TIME.
Bring out your best ever for
NOW/SEE US SOON AGAIN!
SAI RAM

Review

Nostradamus Speaks Again by Elisabeth Jorgensen is a life-changing book indeed. I have read many spiritual books over the past two years. But I never came close to something like this one. The author is someone who was in pursuit of inner peace for many years and she achieved it at last. From that acquired wisdom, she is trying to guide us to that eternal joy.

As I read through, the pleasure I felt was immense. I can’t even describe that feeling through words. We all are in some kind of sadness in our life. Our goals, our wishes are somewhat pulling us away from what we call us peace. The truth path that we’ve to seek to get rid of these pain is love. The path which is not easy as we think at the beginning. To know love is to gain an understanding of the creator of this world, God.

Through this book, the author is drawing two parallel paths of love. But in the end they both converge to one, which is inevitable.

Recommended.

Rating:5/5

 

Amina Thajudeen Book Review, historical fiction, Memoirs

Slaves, Masters and Traders: Historical Fiction by H. Ann Ackroyd|Review

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Title: Slaves,Masters and Traders: Historical Fiction

Author: H. Ann Ackroyd

Pages: 546

“Slaves, Masters, and Traders: Historical fiction by H. Ann Ackroyd is a novel which is written in the background of true events of the slave trade which was prevailed in the 18th century.  Slave trade was one of the most disastrous events in the history of mankind. It was an unjustifiable crime by all means. If we look back to history, we may encounter that the slave trade was done by the noblemen of the society. The Africans were dragged from their home and transported to faraway lands to be a slave for the rest of their lives. The people who are born free in their native land were captured, abused, and forced to work and serve without any justice. Through this book you can relive these events. It is a story that has to be told over and over. Because it is the living evidence of the extend of racism in people’s minds.

I always love to read historical fiction books because they are always the perfect blend of creativity and history. This one also didn’t disappoint me. The book is comparatively thick because the author has narrated the story in-depth through these pages. These kinds of large books need a compelling narrative and unputdownable story to successfully lead the reader through these pages. In my opinion, this kind of beautiful narrative alone can drive the story. The author is narrating three main storylines in parallel. Three different backgrounds, three different cultures, and very different humans too. It was a perfect pleasure to delve into a historical fiction book that is sailing through smooth storylines.

From the story of black tribal family to the life of a black slave family and their masters in Lousiana, it was a journey that a reader can cherish in their whole life. The book is also a treasure of insights from history. A reader can learn many things through this book along with a heartfelt story.

Another highlight of the story is character built-up. Strong characters can only drive the story forward. Here, the characters are created to perfectly blend with the storyline. Each and every character is unique and attention-grabbing. Again the beauty of powerful writing skills.

Recommended for every reader who likes to read historical fiction.

Rating:5/5

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

“The Potter and the Clay: Hard pressed on every side but not destroyed” by Ellis Lucas|Review

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Title: The Potter and the Clay: Hard pressed on every side but not destroyed

Author: Ellis Lucas

Pages: 198

“The Potter and the Clay” is an autobiographical book written by Ellis Lucas who turned his life all around through his faith in Jesus. This is a powerful testimony of a man who went through every hardship one can felt in a lifetime and managed to find the light at the end of the tunnel.

This is not a typical motivation book you might see in the market. The story he is telling through these pages is real. We can literally feel the pain that he was gone through. He was at the utmost point of despair. At the endpoint of his life, he found the love of Jesus. This reinvention gave him a rejuvenated and renovated path of life.

This testimony is not only inspiring but also compelling us to believe in God. He assures that we will reborn on the day, we let Jesus come into our life. Such a peaceful yet powerful narration of the life!

This is a captivating read indeed. The words are connected through emotions. The chapters are flowing through his life events without any flaws.

A must-read.

Rating:5/5

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

Wanted by Ellis Lucas|Review

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Title: Wanted

Author: Ellis Lucas

Pages: 228

Faith is a gift, some people are born with it, some will achieve it someday. But it is our fate that either we find it or not. The path of self-healing starts with belief. The best knowledge I gained from this book is how faith can heal any mind, whether it is torn or not. “Wanted” is a book of enlightenment. It is the torchbearer of hope and love. Ellis has penned down an amazing testimony of his life. His transformation is something that cannot be described through words. He led the most disastrous life and at the ultimate point of despair, he found the hope, the healing, the life.

He begins the book by giving a glimpse of his own life. His life itself is most inspiring. Throughout the 15 chapters in the book, he is reinstating only one most important point, why you are the most wanted by Jesus, how you can find the path of self-realization and happiness. The author has used a very different kind of writing style. He structured the journey of self-realization through these 15 chapters, from finding Jesus to healing your mind. These perfectly organized ideas are enough for a human to embark a change on their mind. A change which can lead you to enlightenment.

The one thing I felt when reading is the pure joy. Ellis is the happiest man who dedicated his life to helping people in need. So his inner joy flows through his words. Where there is innocence there will be happiness. I can literally felt it throughout the book. I found a bible inside this book. The author used numerous bible verses to explain human nature and behaviors. Every chapter ends with invaluable insights.

This is one of the greatest reads I have ever read. It has the power of inspiration and enlightenment. I totally recommend this one.

Rating:5/5

Amina Thajudeen Book Review, Motivational Quotes, Self-Help

End The Panic: You are the hero during this Pandemic by Shabnum|Review

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Title: End The Panic: You are the hero during this Pandemic

Author: Shabnum Prosperity

Pages: 26

“End The panic” is a very short read dealing with the mental health of humans who are living in this Coronavirus pandemic situation. A short guide that will help everyone to curb their anxiety and gain control of their mind again. Due to the unpredictable situation created by this pandemic, every single person in this world is living every day in fear. This fear is slowly harming our immunity and making us much more vulnerable to this disease. In this situation, it is important to stay calm and overcome our weaknesses to beat the disease.

This is an excellent book to guide the layman. It is written in a simple language in a structured manner. The author begins the book by narrating her own experiences which helps the readers to get connected to the facts she is explaining later. I liked the overall content in this book because they are practical advice. Dealing with self-isolation may create many mental strains. But when you read this guide, you can reinvent yourself to see the positive effects of self-isolation.

A must-read in this pandemic days.

Rating:5/5

Buy here: Amazon IN

Amina Thajudeen Book Review, Indian Authors, Self-Help, Thriller

Rape Trial by Bidisha Ghosal

Rape- a word which carries a lot of weight, emotions and pain. Over the years, rape and rape stories become a common headline in the media. They lost news value, because they became a consistent column in newspapers. Our patriarchal society judge this unforgivable crime as a mere deed. Over the years there has been many voices which came out to demand justice to the victims. But unfortunately many struggles end up in vain.

The victim, a more accurate word is a ‘survivor’, has to live the rest of her life in pain and disgust because of this societal attitude. The society will never stand with the victim. So this story has to be told over and over again until it is heard by everyone.

Rahul Satyabhagi is a wealthy businessman who exploits the judicial loopholes and escapes after committing a grave crime, raping Avni Rambha. Will he able to stand behind a thin veil all the time?

The emotions which a survivor goes through in different stages of life cannot be expressed through words. Because it is that much intense and complex. The author has done a sincere attempt to portray these struggles. Justice can be denied if you have influence and wealth. But the justice will be served at last. The author ends it in a positive note hugging hope.

Rating:4/5

Amina Thajudeen Book Review, Indian Authors, Motivational Quotes, non-fiction, Self-Help

Garage to The Globe

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Few words: Garage to The Globe is a unique story of an exemplary venture that started five decades ago from the humblest of the beginnings. The book serves as an inspiration to every budding entrepreneur by defying the common belief that big businesses can only be fueled by fat investor cheques. The Entrepreneur turned author, Mr. Ravinder Nath Khanna has revealed 51 simple success mantras which he calls his ‘Tools of the Took-Kit’. The simple language of the book without the heavy sermons and preachy lessons allow it to be easy to understand and implement in every reader’s life

My Review: To those who are aspiring entrepreneurs or budding entrepreneurs, this book will be a guiding light for you. Mr. Ravinder Nath Khanna is possibly the first graduate from IIT Kharagpur. He immersed himself in building a company amidst so many difficulties. He narrated his whole journey through this book. The cover itself inspires people with ‘Make in India’ emblem. Every reader can learn something from his journey. I felt that he included all his wisdom in this book. The book also includes many pictures from his childhood to adulthood and success on the front and last pages. This makes it an even more interesting read.