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Book Review-More Days at the Morisaki Bookshop by Satoshi Yagisawa

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And the story continues to flow smoothly like water. The charm and emotions follow Days at the Morisaki Bookshop . In this novel, we find a deepening of the relationship between Takako, her uncle Satoru, and the people in their lives. The book roams around themes of family, love, grief, healing, and personal growth, as well as the magical power of books and bookstores. Takako, the protagonist from the first book, is in a much better place. No longer the heartbroken, directionless young woman seeking refuge above her uncle's shop, she's now confidently pursuing a career in design while still lending a hand at the Morisaki Bookshop. Her relationship with books has deepened, and it's a joy to see her enthusiasm for literature blossom. But the real heart of this story belongs to Takako's aunt and uncle, Momoko and Satoru. Their reunion at the end of the previous book hinted at unresolved tensions and doesn't shy away from exploring the complexities of their ...

Book Review- Strong Mothers, Strong Sons by Meg Meeker

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This book, given to me by one of my favourite people, is titled “Strong Mothers, Strong Sons: Lessons Mothers Need to Raise Extraordinary Men." It led me to explore the insights of Meg Meeker on raising boys. The bond between a mother and her son is truly fascinating! Since mothers have never been boys themselves, they often find it a bit tricky to navigate this journey . Every caring mom wishes to raise her son into a responsible and successful man, but figuring out how to do that can sometimes feel overwhelming. This book aims to offer helpful insights and guidance along the way! Before you read it further, let me make a disclaimer that kids are kids, irrespective of gender . However, it is up to us how we groom them, and it is upon them how they receive, perceive, and implement the lessons from their upbringing. The book is dense in the sense that Dr. Meeker presents a clinical perspective in a tone that feels more like words. She shares what she’s learned from man...

Book Review- Days at the Morisaki Bookshop by Satoshi Yagisawa

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The book was recommended by many, and being a Japanese one, it was also waiting in my to-read booklist. Coming straight to the book, this book can be reviewed in two ways - First, the “Book Cover” and second, the book itself, i.e. the tale of new beginnings, love, family relationships, community and the comfort I find in reading the books. If you look at the book cover that I am seeing, you will notice a cat gazing at a door. To the left, there is a bike, surrounded by a sea of books on the left, top, and right sides. In the center, there is a door featuring the silhouettes of what appear to be a man on the left and a woman on the right. The book title is centered at the top. There are additional details that enhance the enjoyment of reviewing the cover. This book cover is a delight to my eyes and feels like a gateway to an amazing dream place! The story follows a young woman named Takako, who discovers the joy of reading. It also delves into her relationship with Uncle Sat...

Book review- Daivya Sutras by Mona Verma

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During one of my training, I had the opportunity to attend a class-cum-workshop led by a charming faculty member who was discussing a common topic with interesting twists. At the time, I had no idea who she was or what her background entailed. Curiosity piqued, I later learned that she was an accomplished writer who had gained acclaim for her work. This remarkable faculty member turned out to be Ms. Mona Verma, the author of a notable book that has resonated with countless readers. I think, since the dawn of language, storytelling has always captivated our hearts and minds! My childhood was filled with many stories told by my mother. Mythology weaves a vibrant tapestry of tales that help us explore our culture and discover our place in the grand narrative of life. Daivya Sutras is one such remarkable collection of unforgettable stories. This enchanting book, with its stunning cover, draws in with captivating tales of the trinity, heroic warriors, the divine beauty of goddes...

Self story 2024

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The death is REAL! 2024 marked the departure of many known souls from this world, reminding me of the fragility of life. Their untimely departure has put the core of my being in freeze. Each untimely loss has cast a shadow over my spirit, leaving me in a state of reflection and introspection. In such times, I pacified myself with the dialogue from “Anand” Movie “ Babumoshai, zindagi badi honi chahiye, lambi nahi ”. Embracing the moments that matter can genuinely make all the difference. This is the motto I am embracing as I move into another year. This reality check has disconnected my scorpion soul on some deeper level from this world. It seems I have developed a sensitivity and respect for the people in my life at a deeper level. The “plastic” aspects of career, fame, profit, and happiness have revealed their true meaning to me. No, it is not that I have attained nirvana!  It is simply the heart speaking, and the mind has finally embraced these heartfelt truths that...

Book Review- How Women Rise by Sally Helgesen and Marshall Goldsmith

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“Please don’t be too hard on yourself” — “Women are much harder on themselves than men are. They tend to worry more about their perceived faults and feel greater pressure to improve. This can be useful because it makes you willing to change. But getting caught up in self-reproach, or beating yourself up for being a flawed human being, is always counterproductive. You can’t lead, and you can’t make helpful improvements in your behavior, if you’re constantly berating yourself”.- Marshall Goldsmith. Despite being an avid reader my whole life, I have never said no to reading any self-help or self-development type of book. I am a big fan of improving my current version, which requires constant reminders, and what a good way for the books to remind me of what is required next. One such self-help book recommended by a friend was the last read titled “How Women Rise”. This women-specific book that attempts to "tell” how to tailor a woman's “professional suit.” For me, the...

Book Review- All Your Perfects by Colleen Hoover

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The book was a great one-day read! I completed it recently while travelling to Jaipur. This was the typical Collen Hoover novel presenting yet another stigma from society - Infertility and how it brings a stall into the lives of married couples. The story delves into the complexities of love, marriage, and the struggles a couple faces in their journey to find happiness. The book alternates between past and present, telling the story of Quinn and Graham—how they met, the promises they made, and their current struggles in a troubled marriage. It artfully presents the pain they experience, making it feel very real. All Your Perfects did a wonderful job capturing the ups and downs of the storyline! It beautifully reflects the chaos we often experience, filled with moments of confusion, heartache, and insecurity. It’s a reminder that everyone makes mistakes and sometimes feels like giving up, because none of us are perfect and we all go through tough times. The book is a recomme...