The Monogram Murders By Sophie Hannah - Review

Monsieur Hercule Poirot has a character which lends his detective mannerisms a certain charisma. This new book does justice to and also if I might add, pays homage to Agatha Christie's Belgian sleuth.

At first I was a bit skeptical about the novel as it wasn't written by the Queen Of Crime herself. I tried to read it but couldn't finish it, yet I did after five attempts. Yes! Five attempts! I did let my conscience get better of me. But nonetheless I read the book and couldn't be much happier.
There's the usual stuff of Poirot like long and lengthy deductions of his own little grey cells, bit of French here and there and his knack for observation and details of course. Hastings was missing who was replaced by a young chap at the Scotland Yard called Edward Catchpool.

Poirot was on a vacation in London for a change of scene, to rest his grey cells, enjoy his self but there's no such thing as a vacation leave for a detective.
Is there?

He was on a Thursday evening at Pleasant's Coffee House. Quite a coffee connoisseur Mr. Poirot. His peace of mind was interrupted by a lady who barged in at the Pleasant's who seemed to be in some distress. Poirot couldn't enjoy his coffee. Being curious he approached the lady, had a bit of conversation and the next thing Poirot knows is that the lady is in danger and is going to die. Jennie is going to die.

And no one should stop her death.

On his way home Poirot could only thing of Jennie. He was consumed by curiosity. He put his little grey cells at work. And at Blanche Unsworth lodging he was greeted with a another mystery.

Three people had died of poisoning which isn't strange, but what is strange is that they each have a cufflink in their mouths monogrammed with PIJ, their bodies laid out in an orderly manner, in different floors of the exquisite Bloxham Hotel.
Catchpool himself had chills when he first saw the bodies he told Poirot.

Richard Negus, Ida Granbury and Harriet Sippel shared one thing in common and that was they all had a past in Great Holling. A dark past.
Were they murdered for a dark past or a haunting future?
Catchpool was sent to Great Holling to dig up their past, and also to get the present news of the village. He was a young chap in his early thirties, wanting to  make it big in Scotland Yard.

Catchpool didn't have a warm welcome in the  village once it was revealed who he was. A mere police officer.

He did find some interesting and surprising truths about the three victims and how they were all connected. It was all narrated by Margaret Ernst the late vicars wife. The vicar who was replaced by Patrick Ive.
Patrick Ive and Frances his wife had a terrible death due to a horrible rumour which was a lie.

One the other hand Poirot also got some information and came to know about the Ives, the lie and of the supposedly curse under which Great Holling was.
As more evidence was unearthed, more truth was discovered and also the murder was getting a bit clear. The motive, the murderer, the accomplices and also how it was done. There was revelation which lead to a greater revelation.

Why Richard, Ida and Harriet would be murdered? How was it possible that they were in the same hotel and didn't travel together?
Who killed them? Was it done by single person or by persons who wanted revenge?
Or maybe by someone who wanted to escape death themselves?
Read the book to find out what actually happened in the Bloxham Hotel and to put an end to the questions.

There are certain details which are noticed and enjoyed only when one has read the book. The book starts off slowly although it's interesting and then in midway it gets gripping with plot twist and in the last chapters it gets irresistible, page turning and that curiosity to find out the truth. There were instances when I was awestruck by the sudden plot change. The things which we seem to miss when they are actually in front of our eyes.
The real truth, the deduction is done of course by Hercule Poirot himself. The lengthy deduction is where most of the truth is unraveled.

It was a good book, but I wouldn't say that I loved it. The characters were well thought out. Murder mysteries catch my attention hence I bought and read the book in the first place. Not many like murders and would probably stay away from it.
Overall it was a good read. Not so lengthy that it might bore the reader. And it wasn't easily deducible because of obvious reasons.

Hope you liked the review mon ami!

The Day Of The Jackal By Frederick Forsyth - Review

It's the 1960's and General De Gaulle is the President of France, loved by some envied my many. His life is in danger.  Escaped failed assassinations, quite a lucky man.

I came across Forsyth when I was reading a newspaper. I have always been intrigued by spies and thrillers and crime. Read about him and his books. This one particularly interested me, merely by its name. Being a former RAF personnel Forsyth had knowledge on how it all worked and so it was easier for him to pen it down.

There's animosity between some of the people of France and the President. Ordinary people can't do anything, the powerful ones can.
An organization who goes by the name of Secret Army Organization (OAS) decided to put an end to the Presidents life.

The book begins with the aftermath of a failed attempt of assassination by the OAS and capture of the leader Lieutenant Colonel Jean Marie Bastien Thiry.  The Colonel was hanged on 11th March 1963. A little less than a year after the futile assassination.
The OAS had highly operating members in different facets of the government itself sharing the same hatred for De Gaulle. Fanatics to be more precise.

The French Secret Service is called Service de Documentation Exterieure et de Contre- Espionage. It was divided into various categories such as Intelligence, Service, Action etc and spread across different hemispheres of the world. French weren't fool. They fought hard against those who were involved with the assassination. Bastien Thiry was on trial while SDECE gathered Intel on the happenings of each futile yet dangerously potent attempt at the assassination.

The Presidential protocol as you might have seen in movies is followed. Those big security personnel in black suits, glasses, an automatic gun under their arms, comprises of the entourage. Then the Presidents vehicle was surrounded by two identical vehicles one in front and one at the rear end. Imagine this being straight out of a Hollywood movie.
The plan was to render the entourage useless and fire at the President vehicle. It was all meticulously planned but somewhere the timing was a bit wrong and the President got away. The OAS had the best personnel at their disposal, most of them were ex- army men of tough build. Yet they failed.
This is just a bleak and brief description of what happened.

Now the OAS was crippled as the Thiry,  their leader was caught, their resources were down to a trickle and as they had failed many times most of the investors backed out. They were in desperate need of money, resources and confidence. They were desperate to kill De Gaulle.
Marc Rodin who was second in command after Antoine Argoud, who had been kidnapped by the French government. He was a man of intellect and seldom did he leave his trail behind. He gathered two more men and also an entourage of security personnel. Obviously he was also at risk.
Rodin along with Andre Casson and Rene Montclair was now heading the OAS. At his disposal was a tank of a man, Viktor Kowalski who was the security head where the new OAS leaders stayed in Vienna in Pension Kleist. Kowalski was better known as Pole due to the fact he was a giant to sum it up.
Rodin had spent a lot of time before shortlisting the assassin. Others consented with him after a long talk.
He was an Englishman, the assassin. He was practically no one. He didn't have his name in any of the government files, basically he was untraceable. That's why he was summoned. Best suited for the job, with a heavy price tag attached to him.
He was informed about the nature of the job and he didn't like any kind of interference. He wouldn't reveal how would he carry out his work even to those who employed him. Such a meticulous man.

Jackal, was his codename. Known just to the three men in Vienna. In order to pay the assassin OAS had to raise funds. Investors weren't interested in them anymore. So they looted banks. Classic move.
They raised half a million dollars and also raised the suspicion of SDECE so as to who was behind the loots. After Argoud was kidnapped they were financially crippled. Best bet for the SDECE had to be OAS.

Pole was caught by the SDECE due to his own stupidity. This was an interesting turn in the storyline which keeps the reader curious. Kowalski was tortured, a lot. He gave in. The plan was leaked and so was the assassin mere by his description. It would have been difficult for the SDECE to find a blonde English man who was to kill De Gaulle.

The novel becomes fast paced with a gripping storyline. The minute details just can't be explained which feels that the reader is experiencing it in first person. It's pretty easy to visualize what is happening and what is not, the surrounding and setting of the plot.

The Jackal travels a lot to prep himself for the mission. Everything's going to be fake.
In the process he even forgets his own name. He arms himself with different disguises, passports and of course a gun. A custom made gun, one of a kind.
On the other hand the French government warns De Gaulle but he's adamant on not compromising his schedule for an assassin. The Presidential Security Corps decides to taken matters into their own hands to protect the President.
Every top commissioner of each department of security force is assigned to find the assassin. A detective called Lebel is called in for investigating a man only known by his hair color. A tough task indeed.

Let's fast forward a bit where Jackal is being tracked. Lebel is on a few hours behind Jackal. Jackal escapes, Lebel frets. Yet they are more closer then ever before. Jackal knows that his covers been blown so does Rodin but he can't make contact with the English man.

There are many events which take place such as the regular meetings of the security forces, Poles death, a Baronness death, Valmy is exposed, Colonel Saint Claire's mistress had been tipping Jackal.
For Jackal it was all for one motive through new disguises, new places, train travels, car rides, fancy hotels and fancy lunches, to kill De Gaulle and retire with half a million dollars.

The question is who succeeds, Jackal or Lebel?

The Jackal buried his traces, Lebel dug up his traces and tracked him, nearly. Both the men were  meticulous and professionals by nature. They had to complete what they had started.
The end was unknown here.

The Jackal prepared himself for 25th August, 1963 so did Lebel and the security forces at his disposal.
The President was to make a public appearance for Liberation Day. He did.
Jackal was disguised and took his vantage point in one of the buildings surrounding Arc de Triomphe and Notre Dame.
He settled and assembled his gun, marked his target and shot. He missed. He never missed a single shot from one hundred and fifty metres. He loaded his gun again and was about to shoot.
His room was barged in.

The end is dramatic. Read the book to find out if Jackal succeeds in his mission or Lebel.
It's such an high octane and gripping book with a solid storyline which will get your adrenaline pumping.

It's a must read for those who enjoy spies, crime thrillers and a fast paced book.
Hope you liked the review!

The Lowland By Jhumpa Lahiri - Review

The Lowland is one of the most beautiful books I have ever read. It’s about the bond shared by two brothers who are born fifteen months apart, Subhash and Udayan and about a woman who is reminded of her past by her conscience.

The book starts with a description of the area surrounding the lowland in Tollygunge in Calcutta. To the east of Tolly Club there’s a small mosque along the enclave of a narrow lane leading towards the marshy lowland in which the hyacinth survives. The skies were blue like water, the humid air leaving a pungent smell which is unsettling to the senses. The details are so intricate to be explainable.

This novel is a whirlwind of emotions, gripping suspense and a narrative which keeps you craving for more. It exposes the underlying human nature which gives the reader a hard knock on the head to come to terms with the reality, leaving a wry smile with a tear on certain occasions.

The brothers climb the high wall to get into the Tolly Club which is reserved for the aristocrats. Although India attained freedom, the wall hanging of Queen Elizabeth II inside the club instead of Prime Minister Nehru tells a different story. The indifference towards Indians still prevailed.

Udayan and Subhash were walking cautiously to avoid being caught. They were mesmerised by the Clubs green carpet which was soft, dewy and fresh on their bare feet. They wouldn’t be cautious if they didn’t dared to trespass. Udayan being the youngest sibling was always aloof while Subhash was an active one, yet he didn’t wander and adhered to his limits. They were best friends, companion and partners in crime.

They were fascinated by golf, although they hadn’t played the sport they decided to collect the neglected or lost or battered golf balls inside the Tolly Club. They even found a putting rod. They would stuff their pockets with golf balls on their way home. With smiles on their faces.

        Its 1960’s, both the siblings are now in college but not together. Subhash was in Jadavpur College pursuing chemical engineering and Udayan in Presidency College for physics. They had been best friends, companion and partners in crime but now they had sensed that they would slowly drift apart from each other. That turned out to be true.

The next year in 1967 there was a political uprising in Calcutta by ordinary people who were forced to rebel against the injustice in the country meted out towards the peasants, who called themselves as Naxals. They wanted to bring a revolution to change the course of history, to bring justice, to change the government. They were inspired by Mao Tse-tung speeches which brought a revolution in China.

        Udayan was deeply moved by the uprising while Subhash the dutiful son he was stayed away from the politics and also advised his brother the same. The Naxal movement gave Udayan an impetus to pave way for shaping his life, and at the same time paving his way out of Subhash’s life. Udayan started attending and eventually conducted meetings and morchas of the Naxals. At times Subhash would accompany Udayan in those meetings to hear Kanu Sanyal speak about their next agenda. Subhash was not flustered by the speeches but he was baffled by Udayans strong allegiance towards the movement.

Only Subhash knew about Udayans participation in the uprising, the family spared of this knowledge.

            No, this isn’t a book about Naxalite but about how it changed the brothers in an irrevocable way. Udayan was a mischievous lad, Subhash a dutiful son who didn’t dare to go against or do anything which his family wouldn’t agree with. Down the lane both of them turned into completely different persons. As if they were reborn.

While Udayan completely devoted himself to the revolt, Subhash completely devoted himself towards his studies and his parents. He decided to go to the US for further studies, Udayan was the first one to know yet he was apprehensive. The bond began to grew wider as if there were a crack.

           A few weeks later, Subhash found himself in Rhode Island. It was different from Tollygunge yet it had a distinct resemblance to it. Who knew Rhode Island would become his home. Richard his roommate became his new companion and Subhash found traces of Udayans characteristics in Richard. At that time America had intervened in Vietnam, due to some miscommunication or neglect, which was at large ignored. Richard and  some of his friends protested outside the quadrangle of the campus. It was nothing like a protest in Calcutta, violent chaotic yet of a mature nature of human resistance. The resilience of Richard towards injustice reminded Subhash of Udayan in some way or another.

           Back in Calcutta, Udayan found a girl for himself. A life long companion as it was meant to be, yet Gauri wasn’t. Udayan had managed to portray a double life although it was tiresome. One being a teacher and one being enduced by his political endeavours of being a Naxal. He knew he was in trouble. Only an incident had to occur to shatter his reel life. And inevitably shattering his real life and of others who loved him.

Subhash was unaware of his brothers recent doings. They used to exchange letters but Udayan stopped mentioning the political aspect and his role in it, so he thought it might have come to an end.

Yes, it came to an end.

Udayan was killed.

            Subhash had to return to Calcutta. Nothing was new in the house except his parents monotonous emotionless face. They were consumed by shock. They didn’t reveal the incidents of that day. He tried to persuade them but they were adamant. So was Subhash.

         He hadn’t met the new member of the family, Gauri, who was a widow now. She was nothing like what he had seen her in the photograph. She seemed to have lost her jovial charm. She barely read anything nowadays because she was supposed to mourn her husbands death. She clearly wasn’t respected in the family after Udayan died. He would have not have tolerated this towards his wife. He rarely cared for traditions which reflected in his love marriage.

         She was pregnant. If it hadn’t been for Udayans child she wouldn’t be in the Mitra house. Subhash decided to take her with him to Rhode Island. He was opposed by his parents, saying that it would be against the ‘society norms’.

Although Udayan had passed away, his memories weren’t. Subhash was always the obedient one yet he wasn’t loved much as Udayan. Here he was trying to save the life of Udayans child, confronted by his own parents. He felt being neglected.

As for Gauri, leaving would be a painful relieve. She didn’t want to live in that house but still some part of her wished the opposite. The child would have a better future without the father. She agreed with Subhash.

      Now one is married for the first time and and another divorced for the first time and married for the second time. Subhash and Gauri married each other, without a bond of love, hoping it would develop later. But it didn’t.

They lived a married life of pretence.

It was raining profusely, her labour pains had begun. The drive to the hospital is one which both wouldn’t forget. The child was delivered. It was a girl.

They had already decided to name her Bela, after a flower. For the first time Subhash was holding a child, Udayans daughter.

A mother was born but the father was already dead. 

So Subhash became one. 

A selfless father.

      Gauri didn’t seemed to be elated as a mother would be. With the pain, a part of Udayan left her. Now she was bittersweet about Udayan. Though in Rhode Island she kept herself occupied by enrolling herself at the university, visiting the library, began exploring the new neighbourhood. Slowly and gradually she was adapting to it. That’s what humans do, adapt. Her attire changed, a westernized look now.

She lost her true self in the process. She got more involved in writing her thesis that she neglected the family. Bela was self reliant from an early age. Subhash cared for Bela more than Gauri, her own mother. She wasn’t selfless but growing into a selfish person. 

All because of that one person who entered her life and left the world so recklessly she couldn’t comprehend it herself.

      Bela was a quiet child yet she craved her mothers attention. At times she reminded Gauri of Udayan. 

Bela turned out to be a rebellious child. She began living life on her own terms which made her a strong person to face a tumultuous turn in her life.

         After Subhash and Bela returned from Calcutta, Gauri had left them. It was the perfect opportunity but not the perfect time.

Bela was now motherless. Subhash was furious. He didn’t expect Gauri to leave them too soon. There wasn’t a concrete reason for her departure but she was tired by her role of being a mother. Bela was raised by Subhash. The abrupt departure of her mother had deeply affected her. 

What hurts the most is, not taking a moment to say goodbye.

         When Bela was old enough, mature enough only then Subhash told her the truth. She was taken aback, even furious but she understood him when the truth settled on in her mind. Both her real parents had left her, abandoned her. Her respect for Subhash grew more. He had done what most people wouldn’t do. 

She continued to call him father.

        Subhash and Gauri both grew old, apart from each other. Gauri was a respected professor and Subhash a respected father. Bela was soon to be a mother, she wasn’t married. Subhash found himself a companion. But Gauri was alone. She tried to find them in the big vast world of internet. She couldn’t, but Subhash had. He had sent a letter revealing a bit about his life and of Bela after she had left them.

She regretted her hasty decision when she was in early twenties.

        The conversations and characters are so intricate that it feels that you are experiencing it in first person, and it baffles the reader. The transition from Calcutta to Rhode Island are so seamless yet interconnected. The memories of old times pops up in the new era, the pain endured had been subdued but not completely gone. The fragments made up for the bigger picture in their lives. Different perceptions but the reality clear.

So many conversations yet so many stories untold. Its not easy to break down the minute incidents, emotions though magnanimous to those who have gone through it.

One really needs to read the book to understand the different perceptions. 

How Udayan was killed. His perspective. Gauris and the familys perspective.

How it affected the family. 

How Bela was affected by Gauris departure.

How Subhash coped after losing his loved ones.

In the end its all about the perspective.

“That’s the thing about books. They let you travel without moving your feet.” -  Jhumpa Lahiri

Not to sound cliché but after reading the book I felt as if i have been to Calcutta, Rhode Island, knew the brothers, Gauri and Bela. Saw them grow old as if I was among them. Calcutta transitioned into Kolkata. Memories faded yet not completely forgotten in the new era.

It’s all about the power in the words which brings out the emotions. In the end its all about the perspective.The human emotions are so strong at times that we shun the rationality of thinking. Three lives, altered completely by one person.

Three lives and many more.

Hope you liked the review! Share it with your loved ones.

Rich Dad, Poor Dad By Robert T. Kiyosaki - Review

If you don't handle money, it will handle you. That's a pretty vague outline of this book. Hailed as one of most sought book on financial literacy, it is a hard knock on the reality of many people who play it safe their entire life.


The book starts off with the author's childhood. The journey to 'make money' started in his early years along with his best friend, Mike. They first made money by smelting toothpaste tube which were in those days were made of lead. They both got excited in the process just to know later they can not make money like this, as it was illegal. But the point is they tried and made lead nickels in their backyard. Many people don't even take a chance.

Then they worked at Mike's father's office for little pay. They had to make couple of sacrifices. Robert wanted a pay rise but instead he ended up working for free.

Robert's father was a well educated person, staunch believer in the government system, with a safe job and he wanted his son to follow the same path. On the other hand, Mike's father was a dropout, running a successful business, didn't believe much in the system.
Both made pretty good money but what differed them was their way if thinking and their way of managing monies. One had idealistic approach to life and other didn't. One struggled financially while other one didn't. Mike's father became 'Rich Dad' for the author. Opinions and outlook of both of them shaped author's life in a different way. He had guidance of two fathers and it was upto him to make a proper choice for himself. He had an advantage unlike others who had one voice to guide them. He made a pretty good use of it.


The book gives a perspective on how poor, middle and rich class make and manage their monies. Most of us live a safe life on a safe job, earn money, spend it and so on the rat race continues. We fail to 'make' money. Rather than earn it we should be able to make money even when you're not working for it. This is the message that the author tries to convey to readers. To make money work for us. Most of the people spend their lives working for money in their monotonous life without exploring, without risking, playing it safe all along just to realize they are losing out on living life. People are afraid of change, people are afraid to get out of their comfort zone. We all have done that, been there. It's a hard hitting truth. I read somewhere that 'THE TROUBLE IS IF YOU DON'T RISK ANYTHING, YOU RISK MORE'. This statement is true in retrospective.

In this day and time the need for financial literacy is very much required. It forms the basis for converting money into investments and investments into returns. The book helps to differentiate between assets and liabilities, greediness and the need to be rich. It emphasis on 'minding your own business', in a good way, to deal with taxes, how to invent money, so on and so forth.
It isn't all about money but also about perspectives and ideologies. Financial freedom and wealth won't expand exponentially if you don't expand your mind and ideas. What I have learned from the book is that to not to get into the rat race, and get stuck their because when money controls our mind then it's difficult for us to control out life. We all want to have lots of money, who doesn't?! But when we let that money take over our brain then problems are created. It's about getting rid of those problems. Many a times its fear which creates the problems or laziness or cynicism or habits. It's about overcoming those obstacles and lead a good life. There are various real life examples in the book as a proof to be financially successful. Until one is willing to learn something new and invest time in it wont do any good to you.
Its how not to become a 'Chicken Little' and fear the falling of the sky. We all are afraid, but we overcome it at some time. Overcoming financial independence is simply a process just like any other else but one needs to try it in order to achieve it.


Question yourself - 'How can I afford that'? And your mind thinks of different ways to make money, or please yourself by telling yourself  'I cant afford that' and your mind shuts down its thinking. We human are capable of achieving anything we choose to focus our minds on. It all comes down to the execution of it.



'Rich Dad, Poor Dad'  is a pretty insightful book on how to lead a debt free and financially independent life. It's about doing what you love and not be afraid of change which most us don't, for money.What we don't do is invest in ourselves and expect returns on investments which aren't financially fruitful. Educating and constantly teaching ourselves about financial literacy wouldn't hurt anyone to be rich. The book is relatable to almost everyone and its what makes it a hit among millions across the world. Read the book to know more about the financial intricacies to be successful.
For me it would be a lifelong guide and reference onto my path to financial success.


Hope you liked it! Share it with your loved ones.

God Is A Gamer By Ravi Subramanian - Review

Revenge is a psychological outburst. Some are catastrophic and some are not.

This is the first book i have read of the author and I am immensely satisfied. This book gives a vague outline of the human nature, emotions and it's outcomes.

The book starts with a Prologue which highlights the invention of Bitcoins, WikiLeaks incident and so on. 

The story revolves around friends Aditya, founder of eTIOS and Indiscape, and Sundeep who works with him. Swami and Malvika both work at NYIB. They both do not share cordial relations. Although all of them know each other since their college days. 

In USA Gillian Tan, a top government official is killed in an accident. The accident was investigated thoroughly. It was a sensitive case because Tan was President's confidante.  After some days an ATM heist takes place and millions of dollars are stolen. 

Aditya fiercely guards his personal life. But he meets his past. His son Varun. He was in trouble and Aditya got him out of it. Father and son duo got close. During the meantime Malvika became the CEO of NYIB and she threw a party. She had a daughter, Tanya. Unfortunately Malvika died in her own party. Everyone was shocked. It was a high profile case. And all types of rumours were spread. The case was solved but not entirely. 

There are many minute events which can't be revealed in a review. That's what makes a book extra special. 

This and other series of incidents which take place in Mumbai and USA are linked together in a certain way. The storyline is so gripping that it leaves you to crave for more. The detailed description makes you feel like you are witnessing it in person. 

The book journeys through different parts of the world such as Mumbai, Delhi, USA, Goa etc. I couldn't put it down until I finished it in a day which is a rarity. 

CIA and others get involved in tracking down the ATM heist. They come to know that the stolen money is converted into Bitcoin. They try to track down the admin of CottonTrail which is a site where illegal drugs and other commodities are sold and purchased only via Bitcoins. They get close but not by a good margin. The currency Bitcoin, is not known to everybody. And those who do know are manipulative people. As the currency is non traceable to an extent, the transactions are also not easily traceable. 

The investigating officers from USA come to Mumbai. Aditya, Sundeep, Varun and Tanya were thoroughly investigated. Adrian and Tony came to a conclusion. The whole scenario was narrated to put things into a perspective. Everyone was shocked when the culprit was revealed. 

There's more to the verdict. 
Did the officers get hold of the right culprit? What was the motive? 
Did the modus operandi work?
Was it foolproof? 

There are many questions. Answers are jaw dropping. 

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I just couldn't keep the book down until I finished reading it. Every incident poses a new question in the mind of the reader. A highly recommended book for those who enjoy thriller, mystery and suspense. 

I tried my best to do justice to the book while reviewing it. Hope you like it!

Half Girlfriend By Chetan Bhagat - Review

Love is not bound by distance.

Life is unpredictable. And love is a frail human emotion. But who knew that a Bihari boy and a Delhi girl would have a strong connection when they first met on basketball ground.

The prologue of the book keeps you wanting for more. Madhav is almost devastated after he has lost his 'half girlfriend'.

The person he loved the most. He wanted to be loved too. The conversation with the author helps him in his quest to find his 'half girlfriend', Riya.

Madhav Jha and Riya Somani lived different lives. Both were poles apart. Riya hails from a rich family and Madhav from princely state of Dumraon which is not princely anymore. It is a touching love story. Yet there is something different about it. While Madhav wanted more from his friendship, Riya didn't. That's how she became his 'half girlfriend'. Being physical is not all love is about. Its about being cared and love selflessly.

Riya was a bit introvert who liked to listen than being questioned. Maybe girls don't like being questioned.
Madhav had his clan of Bihari boys with whom he would talk his heart out. He was a bit possessive about her. He didn't understand girls just like other boys.

The book is nicely covered in three Acts. First starting from Delhi and then moving on to Bihar then on to New York.

Delhi highlights beginning of their relationship. Ups and Downs. They had been more than casual friends and yet not more than friends. Things changed quickly. Misunderstandings crept in. They broke up. Madhav sulked. Riya moved on.

Being a prince of Dumraon, Madhav returned to Bihar. He wanted to help his mother who ran a school there. It was nothing like ordinary schools. As fate would have it Madhav and Riya met each other in Patna. They again became friends. Both were happy.

Meeting Riya again had given Madhav new hopes. But she vanished again. Madhav sulked even more. He lacked her presence. Her love. He searched for her for years. Nowhere to be found. He was sure she had followed her dreams. It was a hunch, but it had to be New York.

To know what happens in New York do read the book. Does Madhav find Riya? Has he lost hopes of meeting her ever again?

It is a nice mix of friendship, love, emotions, separations. And most importantly loving one when there is no hope.

Being a romantic at heart I loved this book. Although its a bit different in terms of writing from his previous books, Chetan Bhagat has done it again. In my opinion its one of his best books. Some might like it, some might not. 

Hope you liked this review.

How To Become A Billionaire By Selling Nothing By Aditya Magal - Review

Satire is not an easy genre to be replicated in writing but the debutante Aditya Magal has surely done a sweet job.

The novel revolves about a billionaire stock investor called Jhunjhunwala who prides himself in being the awesomesauce guy with awesomitis(at least that's what he thinks of appendicitis), the GOD of stock market and at the same time he is lucky enough to have a family who cares for him and his friend Ramesh who can shout at him without being interrupted.
Jhunjhunwala is approached by a small entrepreneur to invest in his company which apparently sells "Nothing". Jhunjhunwala is baffled and advises him to seek a psychiatrist and gives him 1 lakh for his treatment.
Instead Ramakant uses that to manufacture "Nothing" and assigns Jhunjhunwala a stake in his company. What ensues later is a comedy of errors.

The storyline is not all that great to boast about but the writing is surely is. I don't think that I had a straight face for even a single page. I laughed. I laughed heartily. Some may not find the excessive use of the word awesome pleasing enough but its depends on individuals.

After being conned by Ramakant, Jhunjhunwala comes to know that the "Nothing" thing is plagiarised and he is in a legal battle. He is baffled even more.
Read the book to satisfy your lungs and find out the eccentric end to this eccentric tale.

The book makes the reader laugh from the first page itself and there are certain nuances which give the book a character. The book is filled with sarcasm, sarcasm, sarcasm and yes also entertainment.
Although being 380 pages long which I thought is quite long for humour, nonetheless it manages to get your lungs out of your mouth and roll them on the ground.
I resurrected almost 33 times while reading the book and I am pretty sure the author also went through the same ordeal. Its a laugh riot!

The author, Aditya Magal is a blogger and a writer from India. He has his famous blog 'The Secret Journal Of Rakesh Jhunjhunwala' based on the stock investor Rakesh Jhunjhunwala. It is a parody blog. He debuts with his masterpiece book, which is all very nice. It is a must have for those who love light hearted novels.
Hope you like the review!