tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21403893132657620512024-03-13T07:23:12.067+05:30Anvita's BlogUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger112125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2140389313265762051.post-27489424726852541682021-11-13T21:44:00.003+05:302021-11-13T21:44:34.735+05:30Wonder, by R. J. Palacio - Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLnsxF0C71HMwLvOmj-bmMKtuqVKgTt1XSN_d_TWhz28BbqFIGhH3q5WyoZGZSHjRbzaVxkuVH70tO7yoW2JEPhKRxS2vYrMTeJetfYm-nMl379A8axi64DDMVnzG34uowQSMl6aESlUqU/s2048/image_2021-11-13_214120.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1338" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLnsxF0C71HMwLvOmj-bmMKtuqVKgTt1XSN_d_TWhz28BbqFIGhH3q5WyoZGZSHjRbzaVxkuVH70tO7yoW2JEPhKRxS2vYrMTeJetfYm-nMl379A8axi64DDMVnzG34uowQSMl6aESlUqU/s320/image_2021-11-13_214120.png" width="209" /></a></div><h2 style="text-align: center;">Wonder, by RJ Palacio</h2><div style="text-align: center;">(<a href="https://amzn.to/30jKnwN">Amazon</a>, <a href="https://www.flipkart.com/wonder/p/itmfbwssjcgp3qjq?pid=9780552565974">Flipkart</a>)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>I don’t remember when I first read this book. All I remember is reading it again and again, at least five to six times each year, and sometimes rereading the book back-to-back and never getting bored. It was another one of those books my father asked me to read hoping to improve my reading habits. As much as I hate to say this, parents do know best (sometimes) which can clearly be seen by my obsessive reading of ‘Wonder’. It hadn’t seemed like my type of book at the start specifically because it sounded a little sad, and knowing how emotional I can get at times, I tend to stay away from such books. <span><a name='more'></a></span><div><br /></div><div>‘Wonder’ is a book revolving around the life of a ten-year-old boy, August Pullman, with a severe genetic condition that left his face deformed and also lead to a large number of health issues. After undergoing 27 surgeries he was finally able to function like others around him, but that didn’t necessarily mean his life got any easier. However, with the combined love of his parents along with his elder sister Via, and the family dog Daisy, he learnt to enjoy the simple pleasures life had to offer. This changed when his parents decided to enroll him in middle school. Having been home-schooled since childhood, he didn’t welcome the idea of being thrust into the cruel world of school. </div><div><br /></div><div>The rest of the book goes on to describe Auggie’s journey through fifth grade, how he makes friends, deals with the bullying of his fellow mates, all the while learning important lessons on the way.
Wonder is the epitome of simplicity. From the character sketches to the emotions put across, each of them is straightforward without any unnecessary complications. This is what makes Wonder so beautiful. </div><div><br /></div><div>To capture the innocence, the thoughts, and actions of a ten-year-old child accurately is hard. On top of that to not complicate the emotions by adding her own interpretations is something I haven’t seen many authors be able to accomplish. Every word said by each character is so straightforward, it makes empathizing with the characters easier. Moreover, she has opted for a first-person point of view, dividing the book into various sections, each section covering the story from the point of view of a different character. The transition in point of view is seamless and does not disrupt the continuity of the story while giving you a glimpse into the character’s head. She has ensured that enough humour is sprinkled into the book to keep it an altogether enjoyable read. </div><div><br /></div><div>The most refreshing part of the book continues to be August Pullman himself. His maturity is contrasted well with the innate childishness of a ten-year-old and with his natural ability of humour he worms his way into the hearts of every reader. Till date I haven’t come across a book quite like this one and it is a productive read for aspiring writers and is a great hit amongst children. In 2017, the book was turned into a movie, which was well-made and was mostly true to the book. </div><div><br /></div><div><i> © 2021, Anvita Agarwal. All rights reserved.</i></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2140389313265762051.post-35089047232769183192021-01-10T12:11:00.004+05:302021-01-10T12:14:13.057+05:30Harry Potter Series - Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi25YrdBv-Whrmm6518pIysRi9ZRZVVXvTHRcz-hE0BrXByuw2QJMXEzB3YG_pD1ve9w6RFVuIE2CdNcaUP1HaevlTDmihk0YG31kyyVHRhjKqjfdxTIz-UueMf_6iA2ZSQ-_9M8sLp0wO/s2048/A1D5sa5ZU5L%255B1%255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2022" data-original-width="2048" height="395" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi25YrdBv-Whrmm6518pIysRi9ZRZVVXvTHRcz-hE0BrXByuw2QJMXEzB3YG_pD1ve9w6RFVuIE2CdNcaUP1HaevlTDmihk0YG31kyyVHRhjKqjfdxTIz-UueMf_6iA2ZSQ-_9M8sLp0wO/w400-h395/A1D5sa5ZU5L%255B1%255D.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><h2 style="text-align: center;">Harry Potter, by J.K. Rowling</h2><div><div style="text-align: center;">(<a href="https://amzn.to/3q47ZMX" target="_blank">Amazon IN</a>)</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>
My earliest memories of Harry Potter are from when I was around six. My father would read me one chapter of the book every day at night with me cuddled up in the blankets, hanging on to every word. This way, the two of us went though the first three books of the series, and soon after he decided to show me the movies. The movies resulted in a whole lot of nightmares after which I would try to wiggle my way in-between my parents when the nightmares got too bad, Voldemort's pale face burned in the back of my head. </div><div><br /></div><div>The Harry Potter series written by J.K Rowling revolves around a world where unbeknownst to humans, popularly called muggles in the book, a world of magic with actual wizards and witches exists. Harry Potter is an eleven year old boy who has lived with his aunt and uncle and their son Dudley for as long as he can remember, as his parents had died in a "car accident". His aunt and uncle truly despise him and their son doesn't leave any opportunity to make Harry's life miserable. A few weeks before his eleventh birthday, he starts receiving letters with a peculiar red stamp that seem to leave his aunt and uncle so shaken that his uncle drags him to different places to stave off the sender of the letters, but to no avail. However, on the eve of his eleventh birthday, a humongous man barges into Harry's life and shatters his reality by telling him that he in fact is a wizard, a very famous one at that. Both this parents were wizards as well but were killed by an evil, dark wizard called Voldemort. The curious fact being that when Voldemort tried killing Harry, he was unable to and that very night lost is powers. </div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div><br /></div><div>The story then progresses with Harry being taken to Hogwarts, a school of wizardry, where he befriends Ron and Hermione, two of his classmates. Harry, along with Ron and Hermione, must navigate each year at Hogwarts while preventing Voldemort, who seems to be very keen on killing Harry and finishing what he had started. </div><div><br /></div><div>There are seven books in this series, each book having its own story arc while being a part of a broader plot strand which runs through all the books. Having been acquainted with it for so long, I soon developed a fondness towards the series and came to read it completely only in the fifth grade. What makes it so utterly addicting to all age groups is how intricately the whole world has been created, how each book contributes to a larger plot and the simplicity of the language. Each book has its fair share of light moments, while covering several topics like friendship, jealousy, solidarity and loss. </div><div><br /></div><div>When coming to character development, a reader will notice that the main protagonists - Harry, Ron and Hermione - don't see much change. Instead, J.K Rowling surrounds the protagonists with characters who slowly change, surprising us when we least expect it. Neville Longbottom is one such character. At the start of the book series, he is portrayed as a timid boy who is easily scared. As the story progresses, Neville grows out of his shell to become a fearless boy who inspires others. I have read the whole series three times and don't see myself growing out of it anytime soon. </div><div><br /></div><div>There is an <a href="https://www.audible.in/pd/Harry-Potter-and-the-Philosophers-Stone-Book-1-Audiobook/B072WB8YX9?qid=1610260758&sr=1-1&ref=a_search_c3_lProduct_1_1&pf_rd_p=2d02bc98-4366-4f94-99d9-5e898cda0766&pf_rd_r=F392FZY40TA2N7FJGVRP" target="_blank">audiobook of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone</a> narrated <a href="https://amzn.to/3q6iGP7">by Stephen Fry</a>. This is one of my favourite audiobooks due to the diction and enunciation by the narrator who also happens to be a fine actor (Check the TV series Jeeves and Wooster). <div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><i>
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-in.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=IN&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=sisterswhoread-21&language=en_IN&marketplace=amazon&region=IN&placement=B072W9Y8T7&asins=B072W9Y8T7&linkId=24bbe097e0d8d0f5c786c9e3ccc077c9&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe> </i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i> © 2021, Anvita Agarwal. All rights reserved.</i></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2140389313265762051.post-89078561634923856372020-10-11T21:26:00.001+05:302020-10-11T21:26:26.333+05:30The HospitalThe smell. The smell. Make it go away. Please. The whole world was full of white, green and blue. She struggled to get up but was immediately pushed down. Pipes and wires were taped to her and her body seemed to ache as if someone had smashed it with a hammer. Particularly her legs. She couldn’t feel them. Strange. The previous day they’d been just fine. Wait. She thought hard. The previous day seemed like a dream. Surprisingly she couldn’t remember it. <span><a name='more'></a></span><div><br /></div><div>Where am I? What happened? My legs. Why are they hurting? She painfully tilted her head. All around her she could see people in white coats running around. Some even seemed to be wearing bluish green plain, long dresses. Even the men. Strange. Masks were covering most of their faces and barely anyone was seen without gloves. The halls were a stark white and people were being pushed around in black chairs with wheels. Oh yes. They were called wheelchairs. She looked up and found herself on a bed with wheels with three similar looking people around her. Who are they? God not again. That smell. It seems to be messing with my nose. She took a deep whiff. It smelt familiar. Disinfectant! Why was this whole place looking so familiar? </div><div><br /></div><div>Just as her thoughts were beginning to drift the pain returned. Why are my legs hurting? She tried sitting up and stared down at her legs before anyone could push her back again. Her heart almost stopped beating for a minute. Where were her legs? In place of a normal pair of brownish legs was a tangled lump of flesh, bones and blood. Everything from her knees below had been obliterated. She could barely make out the outline of anything. There was no indication that she had had any legs. Before she could see anymore, two pairs of strong hands pushed her back down. Screams erupted from her and she tried getting up. Bucketful of tears were pouring from her eyes. Help me. The sound echoed through the hallways, her pain filling the whole hospital. Heads turned her way and horrified screams were pulled from people’s mouth. She was beyond herself. Words failed to escape her mouth and all that was heard was pitiful blubbering. </div><div><br /></div><div>Her vision started swimming and she felt like nauseous, despite the fact that she didn’t remember eating anything. She tilted her head to the side and let it all out, but came back feeling the same. One of the three creepy people near the bed pulled out a strange looking mask. No, not the same one they were wearing. Something different. The sight of it sent shivers down her spine. Why were they trying to put the mask on me? She squirmed helplessly, refusing to stay still. Hands with vice-like grip held on to her, trying to keep her still, while others strapped the mask on. An overly sweet smell started filling her nose like the smell of everything sweet mixed in all together. Her senses started to dull, and she was finding it hard to breathe. No! Stop! Help me! Anyone! But all that was heard was muffled noise. Her vision dimmed and the last words she heard were, “Shh sweety. We just want to fix you.” </div><div><br /></div><div> © 2020, Anvita Agarwal. All rights reserved.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2140389313265762051.post-4325602293930070622019-12-30T12:09:00.003+05:302019-12-30T12:12:31.420+05:30Operation Jinnah, by Shiv Aroor<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhadhGDnypD6UwLMXcF9Z20wz9HX1pmGUcWY4cG3ff3tVRtdYppr-LS7PQiFz-fICU9UV5TSHedbIquERjsFIfY_gltafBrDPUCK63N-nfjZ0cJ5GeUQQ6fnzMK_OFVgSy05ywfoQVFMSzi/s1600/51X5YmOM-PL._SX324_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="326" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhadhGDnypD6UwLMXcF9Z20wz9HX1pmGUcWY4cG3ff3tVRtdYppr-LS7PQiFz-fICU9UV5TSHedbIquERjsFIfY_gltafBrDPUCK63N-nfjZ0cJ5GeUQQ6fnzMK_OFVgSy05ywfoQVFMSzi/s320/51X5YmOM-PL._SX324_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_%255B1%255D.jpg" width="209" /></a></div><h3 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.in/Operation-Jinnah-Shiv-Aroor/dp/9386228262/">Operation Jinnah, by Shiv Aroor</a></h3>A girl is kidnapped in Pahalgam, Kashmir, her two friends shot dead. This kidnapping would have been no different from others, had it not been for the girl - Varuna Rana, the daughter of the famously infamous Admiral Nirbhay Rana. Whispers of his name had surfaced when people talked about a mission from the past which was shrouded in a cloak of secrecy so thick that it had become more of an urban legend or myth. When his daughter goes missing, and a ghost from his past comes to haunt him, Admiral Rana must assemble the same team that helped him on a mission seven years ago in Pakistan occupied Kashmir, this time with his daughter and the reputation of his beloved motherland, India, at stake. With less than nine hours to deliver, the whole team – Lieutenant Commander Akeela Thomas, Lt. Vikramaditya Singh and Lt. Saraswati Subramaniam, dive into a mission with no way out. Will they succeed, and save the face of India, and more importantly, will they come back alive?<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
Reading this book took me a little effort as it was a military thriller and they are usually sprinkled with jargon which makes me have to leave the book and constantly read up their meaning. I did have to read some parts again but otherwise it was like any other thriller – fast and gripping. This book is authored by journalist Shiv Aroor who I met at the Mangalore Lit Fest 2019.<br />
The first couple of chapters started off fast, immediately capturing the reader’s attention. The book slows down a bit after that to allow the reader to pause and take a breath. The author uses this time to weave all the different parts of the story together and the plot resumes its fast pace again, drawing the reader back into the depths of the story. As I mentioned at the start, I was a little apprehensive with the military jargon or names of the different weapons I would find. However, to make understanding this easier, Shiv Aroor has included a small diagram of the arsenal he mentions which helps in visualizing things better.<br />
<br />
One thing to note about this book is the plot execution. The details and the planning which goes down to the minutest detail helps wrap the book together. I was impressed with the details of all the missions included in the book, which seem to miss out on nothing, and one can visualize exactly how everything plays. Lastly, I would like to point out the character development which takes place at every point in the story, revealing new shades of the person, and most importantly, the protagonists in the book had flaws. They were not perfect, allowing us to think of them as one of us, which I think was what the author was trying to convey.<br />
<br />
Reading this book has made me decide one thing - this was my first military thriller and I’m sure it won’t be my last.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><div dir="ltr" lang="en">Was excellent meeting you, Abhinav! And may I say it was most gratifying to see Anvita reading Operation Jinnah! ♥️ <a href="https://t.co/ZbWjk5d1QA">https://t.co/ZbWjk5d1QA</a> <a href="https://t.co/hOog2hjcLn">pic.twitter.com/hOog2hjcLn</a></div>— Shiv Aroor (@ShivAroor) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShivAroor/status/1201176231640621058?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 1, 2019</a></blockquote><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script><br />
<br />
<br />
<i>© 2019, Anvita Agarwal. All rights reserved.</i></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2140389313265762051.post-37222601969968486012019-10-29T23:39:00.002+05:302019-10-29T23:39:37.531+05:30Raavan: Enemy of Aryavarta review<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBefN8Xa9Mw9WWfGfCilgCnJSyDI85HG5AcDWKYSJCRuENIsBosnobsdbL8Q-Rzf9tiGjHepHXE3IF9e8-z-gx-xtb7iPEDEZHFD_iPkUJM2bp4E3lWgYTpBtKhb-UA4L3JCgDrA7Nrs56/s1600/51Q8UGbvQlL._SX321_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="323" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBefN8Xa9Mw9WWfGfCilgCnJSyDI85HG5AcDWKYSJCRuENIsBosnobsdbL8Q-Rzf9tiGjHepHXE3IF9e8-z-gx-xtb7iPEDEZHFD_iPkUJM2bp4E3lWgYTpBtKhb-UA4L3JCgDrA7Nrs56/s320/51Q8UGbvQlL._SX321_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_%255B1%255D.jpg" width="207" /></a></div>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Raavan: Enemy of Aryavarta (Ram Chandra Series - Book 3)</h2>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://amzn.to/32XT1wS">Paperback</a>, <a href="https://amzn.to/36ceDI1">Kindle e-book</a>, <a href="https://amzn.to/349Qi3B">Audiobook</a></div>
<br />
So, after reading and reviewing both of Amish’s previous books, I have decided to do so for the third book as well. I expected a lot from it, and it gave that and a lot more. This, in my opinion, is by far the best amongst the three. What I liked about it best are the plot twists, which are numerous and quite unexpected at that. Before I go into my experience about it, I would like to give you a short summary of the story, as this is about Raavan’s past, something not most of you will be familiar with.<br />
The story does have elements of the author’s creativity, but the approach is very different and takes a shot at justifying the cruel behaviour of Ravana. <br />
<br />
Raavan, the eldest son of Rishi Vishrava and his first wife Kaikesi, was perfect at everything he did, except one thing - compassion. With ups come the downs, and this was Raavan’s - compassion. Despite being the best, he was never actually loved by his father, but instead was an embarrassment. All because he was a naga. A naga was a being who had outgrowths which would continuously hurt, and sometimes bleed, and if not treated, could lead to death. Raavan had an outgrowth at his navel, and Rishi Vishrava blamed this on Kaikesi, saying that he was paying for her bad karma. On Kumbhakarana’s birth, when Rishi Vishrava realised that the baby was a naga too, he sent a woman to go and kill the baby. However, Raavan along with the help of his maternal uncle Mareecha, escaped with Kaikeyi and Kumbhakarana to start a new life. Equipped with his ruthlessness and skill, he sets about to build a trading guild like never before. Everything seems to be going perfectly for Raavan the pirate king, until the death of a loved one finally pushed him over the edge, into this darkness that he couldn't seem to get out of. As the darkness engulfs him, he slowly starts to plot the end of the Aryavartas. He would steal everything from them the way they stole the one person dearest to his heart. <br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /><br />
This book by far is the darkest of the three books in the Ram Chandra Series.<br />
I also however, liked this book the best. What drew me to it was the way Amish connected the threads of the story and jolted you with the ultimate twist which one will come upon at the end of the book. In this book, Raavan is depicted as a character one can sympathize with and partially despise at the same time. It gives us a new perspective to look at him through, one which allows us to make our own conclusions about his personality. The story was fast-paced, and did justice to the character of Raavan, who is so much more complex than we realise. I usually like a book which draws me to it from the first page, and this book did satisfy my criteria. I am very happy with the book as it made an attempt to talk about Raavan’s backstory answering all the whys I would ask when reading the first two books. The story flows smoothly, connecting the previous parts to the next part. I cannot wait for the last book, and would definitely recommend you to read this book as well as the previous books in this series.<br />
<br />
<i>© 2019, Anvita Agarwal. All rights reserved.</i></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2140389313265762051.post-25311678697955114152019-02-04T20:38:00.004+05:302019-02-04T20:38:52.469+05:30Draupadi: The Tale of an Empress, by Saiswaroopa Iyer<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcwA-XzhXlcASLIJlfQdxhh3_ZLoMrYSiuct75VbJObSQz1h8GXBkU82TncrEB2Aj8Y4iBdsqv6KB9GN7gHSd2MNUK7OfUBWpWHNtGssRkGHj_TMcMHAUm0M7LKXTkhYoN6muPIpHnPhVL/s1600/D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="327" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcwA-XzhXlcASLIJlfQdxhh3_ZLoMrYSiuct75VbJObSQz1h8GXBkU82TncrEB2Aj8Y4iBdsqv6KB9GN7gHSd2MNUK7OfUBWpWHNtGssRkGHj_TMcMHAUm0M7LKXTkhYoN6muPIpHnPhVL/s320/D.jpg" width="209" /></a></div>
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
Draupadi: The Tale of an Empress, by Saiswaroopa Iyer</h3>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://amzn.to/2UBYl4r">Amazon IN</a>, <a href="https://amzn.to/2UBYV27">Kindle IN</a></div>
Here I am, yet again with a review of a book written by Saiswaroopa Iyer, and like her other books, this book is written to inspire. Picking another woman who remained strong through the roughest of times, she presents to us her latest book, ‘<b>Draupadi: The Tale of an Empress</b>’, and as the name suggests, it takes you through the life of Draupadi, the princess of Panchala. Almost everyone will know the story of Draupadi from the Mahabharata; the wife to all five of the Pandava brothers. There are many questions about Draupadi that have remained unanswered in the Mahabharata - like why she would ever consider entering into a polyandrous wedlock of her own will, or how her relationship with the Pandavas was after the game of dice. A book narrating a commonly heard story isn’t unique and wouldn’t draw much attention.<br />
<br />
So, what makes this book so special? For starters, it’s the author’s creativity and her ability to describe all the emotions Draupadi felt with extreme ease that you connect with her very well. Secondly, some of the accounts of events are different, and when I say different, I mean that they are almost the exact opposite of what I’ve heard. I would like the readers to remember that this is a fictional retelling of the story of Draupadi and therefore it has different accounts of some parts of the story. Amongst all the different versions, none are untrue and are just different interpretations of the story. However, these tweaked versions were actually fascinating and did explain some of the actions taken by Draupadi. One also wonders how the empress must have taken the near impossible decisions she did, and Saiswaroopa Iyer has managed to envision Draupadi perfectly, and hence, imagine what Krishnaa, mind you Krishnaa, not Krishna, was feeling to perfection.<br />
<br />
I quite liked the book and it was a pleasant read. If you want to try another one of Sai<span style="color: #0000ee;"><u>s</u></span>waroopa Iyer’s books after this one, I would recommend ‘<a href="https://amzn.to/2D4K9tz">Avishi: Vishpala of Rig Veda Reimagined</a>’.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="550" src="https://read.amazon.in/kp/card?asin=B07MKNSLJ5&preview=inline&linkCode=kpe&ref_=cm_sw_r_kb_dp_krfwCbQBSXBX5&tag=sisterswhoread-21" style="max-width: 100%;" type="text/html" width="336"></iframe><br />
<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-in.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=IN&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=sisterswhoread-21&language=en_IN&marketplace=amazon&region=IN&placement=B07MKNSLJ5&asins=B07MKNSLJ5&linkId=4302ff30616f4cbc32d308accc10d033&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe> <iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-in.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=IN&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=sisterswhoread-21&language=en_IN&marketplace=amazon&region=IN&placement=B074MZV8MZ&asins=B074MZV8MZ&linkId=16cf766079465c9215e19c844ca0808d&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><br />
<br />
© 2019, Anvita Agarwal. All rights reserved.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2140389313265762051.post-31117511435477180232018-12-22T14:53:00.000+05:302018-12-22T14:53:00.542+05:30Young Samurai: The Way of the Warrior - Book 1, by Chris Bradford<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx3lWNIf65y-2d_1WwZYnBSi-IazF7FgMrtwiLJfCB7uwg9udUdsApckVs6K7Onj4zA2qg6nHMeHH7ZB6Gp0eEhnvz9Zjs9Mgr4e-o1wuYgWzNBZS6bxabYaUEIrloMY9fPnC2OFyGDhxt/s1600/Young.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="332" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx3lWNIf65y-2d_1WwZYnBSi-IazF7FgMrtwiLJfCB7uwg9udUdsApckVs6K7Onj4zA2qg6nHMeHH7ZB6Gp0eEhnvz9Zjs9Mgr4e-o1wuYgWzNBZS6bxabYaUEIrloMY9fPnC2OFyGDhxt/s320/Young.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Young Samurai: The Way of the Warrior - Book 1, by Chris Bradford</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://amzn.to/2K9GjTd">Kindle IN</a>, <a href="https://amzn.to/2S01F8d">Audible IN</a></div>
<br />
I started this series at a time when I was despairing over what I would read next. My ever-knowledgeable librarian, Pratap uncle, knew just what to give me. He handed me the first book in this series saying I should definitely read it. The author of these books is Chris Bradford. This was the first series which I have come across, where they talk in detail about the fighting arts of Japan. The first three books talk about the fighting arts of the samurai and the other five books are about the fighting arts of the ninja. The plot of the first three books, as I have only read those many, talks about a boy named Jack Fletcher, who is shipwrecked when he is on his way from England to Nagasaki with his father. He lands in Osaka with all the crew on the ship dead, killed by ninjas, including his father. He has to adapt to the way of the Japanese and also protect the navigational logbook called the rutter, his father’s most prized possession. It was the key which would guide him back to England. Unfortunately, the knowledge of the rutter has spread far and wide and has attracted unwanted attention. He is then adopted by a samurai warlord, Masamoto Takeshi and sent to a school to learn the art of being a samurai. He has to fight for his life, as a dangerous assassin and an angry fellow student are out for him, and are ready to do whatever it takes to kill him.<br />
<br />
I liked this series because it was very well researched. The author gave proper Japanese terms and also has given a glossary at the end of the book. The different fighting arts have been explained very well, helping the reader understand what exactly was happening in the book. Most of the series and books I have read, have portrayed the protagonists to be near perfect. This series was different, as it showed all the flaws in the character and taught us an important lesson. You cannot eliminate your flaws if you do not try to or don’t work hard enough. A ninth book is coming out in 2019. <br />
<br />
<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-in.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=IN&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=sisterswhoread-21&language=en_IN&marketplace=amazon&region=IN&placement=0141324309&asins=0141324309&linkId=9414d8dbbbfc3af1fe087a5578c9442a&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><br />
<br />
Kindle Preview:<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="550" src="https://read.amazon.in/kp/card?asin=B002TJLF9A&preview=inline&linkCode=kpe&ref_=cm_sw_r_kb_dp_u397BbXNCM510&tag=sisterswhoread-21" style="max-width: 100%;" type="text/html" width="336"></iframe><br />
<br />
<br />
© 2018, Anvita Agarwal. All rights reserved.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2140389313265762051.post-41438517954972775422018-12-15T14:50:00.000+05:302018-12-15T14:50:21.068+05:30The Maze Runner, by James Dashner<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcxJ2EqzJED1Ms4xQPFDYBpBKCVji_shJhd7ZQTrF2Mw-YDUzoolgY4xLws2NnTt5rYHRt2-KBOdIp2I81NLklKmm2kqhiHNfEr4-gf1RXt60crTwA8YIk6uTX8pDXUl5B-RmvNRj_I6DP/s1600/Maze.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="266" data-original-width="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcxJ2EqzJED1Ms4xQPFDYBpBKCVji_shJhd7ZQTrF2Mw-YDUzoolgY4xLws2NnTt5rYHRt2-KBOdIp2I81NLklKmm2kqhiHNfEr4-gf1RXt60crTwA8YIk6uTX8pDXUl5B-RmvNRj_I6DP/s1600/Maze.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The Maze Runner, by James Dashner</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://amzn.to/2PxGGwB">Amazon IN</a>, <a href="https://amzn.to/2PBKblV">Audible IN</a></div>
I decided to read this series quite on accident. One of my mother’s friend had given us some books. One of the books included the fourth book in the Maze Rubber series. This gave me the perfect opportunity to start reading this series. There are five books in all, the first three being the main books, and the other two being prequels. My favourite books were the first one – The Maze Runner, and the last one – The Fever Code. The main books talk about a boy named Thomas who remembers nothing except his name. He wakes up to find himself with a bunch of boys, all who are like him, stranded in a maze with nothing except their name. The boys call the place the glade and themselves Gladers. Every month, a new person is introduced into the Glade, and this time it is Thomas. After Thomas arrives, the next day, another person is put in, and it is the first girl in the whole group. There are openings in the Glade and hey close every night. This keeps monsters called Grievers out of the living residence. The doors in the Glade stop closing and that the Grievers outside can get to them. Thomas and his friends figure out that a group called WICKED have trapped them in the maze and they manage to escape, but WICKED isn’t done with them yet. They put the Gladers into many other tasks in order to obtain a cure for a disease which has taken over the population of the world and is driving people to madness. They will not stop until they find a cure, even if that means that many lives will be taken. Will Thomas and his friends escape before WICKED’s experiments claim yet more lives, and this time, perhaps theirs?<br />
<br />
I fell in love with this series after reading the blurb. It sounded gripping, much like a thriller, a genre of books I particularly enjoy. The author, James Dashner, managed to keep up the suspense, and when you read the fifth book, you are surprised to find the whole truth, as the main books leave a lot of unanswered questions which the fifth book answers. I would recommend the series for ages 13 above, because the books have a few gruesome deaths which can be disturbing to read. <br />
<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-in.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=IN&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=sisterswhoread-21&language=en_IN&marketplace=amazon&region=IN&placement=1909489409&asins=1909489409&linkId=7b74370306d623963237d6995f363ee4&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><br />
<br />
<br />
© 2018, Anvita Agarwal. All rights reserved.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2140389313265762051.post-28981123130472600422018-12-08T14:48:00.000+05:302018-12-08T14:48:01.716+05:30City of Heavenly Fire (The Mortal Instruments), by Cassandra Clare<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipPi8KiS4d2BKdFuZxKnLVYIqTIEmeXcJsjKEEdB3Judgn9o9vAS2jIr3V0Awn9MkFumh5Osev10iYTbEfXMheYyac2dXLhpFJfOMRrP8gbmbbklvZ18b8BxhrOltbz-Qcx4rbYSGA4UDX/s1600/Mortal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="334" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipPi8KiS4d2BKdFuZxKnLVYIqTIEmeXcJsjKEEdB3Judgn9o9vAS2jIr3V0Awn9MkFumh5Osev10iYTbEfXMheYyac2dXLhpFJfOMRrP8gbmbbklvZ18b8BxhrOltbz-Qcx4rbYSGA4UDX/s320/Mortal.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>City of Heavenly Fire (The Mortal Instruments), by Cassandra Clare</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://amzn.to/2TohJCn">Amazon IN</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Mortal Instruments: In the seventh grade, I wanted to read this series, but my librarian said that I was too young for it. In the eighth grade, I started reading it (I do not know what one year of time can do to a kid which makes them suitable to do tasks which they were not allowed to do before). This series is written by Cassandra Clare. The whole series talks about a different world from the human one, where werewolves, vampires, wizards, etc. all exist, but are much different from what you imagine. They are commonly referred to as Downworlders. Topping them all are Shadowhunters, a race of warriors who have sworn to protect the humans and the Downworlders from demons. The main protagonist is a sixteen-year-old girl named Clary Fray, who is told she is a a Shadowhunter in the first book. The series has two main antagonists, one is Valentine and the other is Sebastian, both who I am not going to tell you about because they are spoilers. All I can tell you is that they are two power-hungry maniacs, one who wants to wipe out all the Downworlders and the other who wants to wipe out all shadowhunters. Clary along with her friends have to stop these two villains before they wipe out an entire species.<br />
<br />
It was the first series which I have read, where there was some serious romance between the characters (I skipped those bits. Too soppy for my tastes). This made it different, because before reading a page, I had to skim over it, fearfully, hoping there weren’t any nasty surprises. <br />
<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-in.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=IN&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=sisterswhoread-21&language=en_IN&marketplace=amazon&region=IN&placement=1442416904&asins=1442416904&linkId=46c80756d2811de1bfce7bb31237bbe8&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><br />
<br />
<br />
© 2018, Anvita Agarwal. All rights reserved.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2140389313265762051.post-18872535513761820202018-12-01T14:45:00.000+05:302018-12-01T14:45:08.353+05:30The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time, by Mark Haddon<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrIYtcirjm07cAafzyCSaFoYQyuk3yUBkqnhwWzjiftXO4PwZMLc8VZzyQnknWmd3Xr4Dk9iljpv_N2vLhtvxKkJFiSVzCL8r76ZgMLwIqDl1Mv5omtw01c7KWqGUkLTFkARN3jTqi_ECO/s1600/Curious.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="266" data-original-width="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrIYtcirjm07cAafzyCSaFoYQyuk3yUBkqnhwWzjiftXO4PwZMLc8VZzyQnknWmd3Xr4Dk9iljpv_N2vLhtvxKkJFiSVzCL8r76ZgMLwIqDl1Mv5omtw01c7KWqGUkLTFkARN3jTqi_ECO/s1600/Curious.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time, by Mark Haddon</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://amzn.to/2Dvfg3x">Amazon IN</a>, <a href="https://amzn.to/2PxGjSJ">Kindle IN</a>, <a href="https://amzn.to/2PvGNJb">Audible IN</a>, </div>
<br />
The curious incident of the dog in the night-time: My father really wanted me to read it, saying that it was very well-written. He was right as usual. The book is one of my favorites and is so different, unique. The narrator of the book is a fifteen-year-old boy named Christopher Boone who has some behavioral issues and is an introvert. One of Christopher’s talents is his ability to excel at Math and Physics. However, due to his behavorial issues, he can’t read others’ emotions at all and that makes it hard for him to communicate with people. One day, he sees his neighbor’s dog being murdered and is determined to solve the mystery. On the way, he finds out the truth about a lot of things which had been left unexplained or lied about to him.<br />
<br />
Mark Haddon has truly made this book stand out. One thing that catches your eye is the fact that the chapter numbers are not consecutive numbers but are prime numbers. The style of writing is very simple and allows you to explore the mind of young Christopher Boone. Every step taken by Christopher is explained and sounds sensible from his perspective. More than the solving of a mystery, it is more of Christopher’s way of solving the problems in life. It gives you a different perspective from which you can look at a problem - a somewhat simpler one.<br />
<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-in.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=IN&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=sisterswhoread-21&language=en_IN&marketplace=amazon&region=IN&placement=0099572834&asins=0099572834&linkId=b9725d1c5f6e130850a52c0795eaea5d&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><br />
<br />
Kindle Preview:<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="550" src="https://read.amazon.in/kp/card?asin=B0031R5K8G&preview=inline&linkCode=kpe&ref_=cm_sw_r_kb_dp_0V97BbWMED356&tag=sisterswhoread-21" style="max-width: 100%;" type="text/html" width="336"></iframe><br />
<br />
© 2018, Anvita Agarwal. All rights reserved.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2140389313265762051.post-54696672234155498472018-11-24T14:42:00.000+05:302018-11-24T14:42:07.486+05:30Auggie & Me: Three Wonder Stories Kindle Edition by R J Palacio<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Uj270lcmLbCrjyBbaRVS5Ia2ZEMXvniebmF5PFRGMnA8pIva4kB4vNXSeqU1YBPZxt_5T8EnC9clh5oKzNms0O7JgKxIJzWyM_y7IroTzQHC8X8eMIaUegi3yy7wl0N1IRbiMZDKu7Bp/s1600/Auggie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="266" data-original-width="174" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Uj270lcmLbCrjyBbaRVS5Ia2ZEMXvniebmF5PFRGMnA8pIva4kB4vNXSeqU1YBPZxt_5T8EnC9clh5oKzNms0O7JgKxIJzWyM_y7IroTzQHC8X8eMIaUegi3yy7wl0N1IRbiMZDKu7Bp/s1600/Auggie.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Auggie & Me: Three Wonder Stories, by R J Palacio</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://amzn.to/2PDnaiA">Amazon IN</a>, <a href="https://amzn.to/2zhetjx">Audible IN</a>, <a href="https://amzn.to/2Dq6P9u">Kindle IN</a></div>
<br />
Auggie and Me: This is the second book written by R. J. Palacio after ‘Wonder’. For those of you who haven’t read her earlier book, it talks about the difficulties in the life of a boy named Auggie Pullman who has a physically deformed face and bad health. ‘Auggie and Me’, is related to Wonder, but it doesn’t talk about Auggie. It talks about the people in Auggie’s life. These two books made me read ‘The curious incident of the dog in the night time’, as all three talk about boys who have some problems with social interaction but are extremely talented and unique when you get to know them. It is like their backstory, sharing a little bit of what it was like before they met Auggie, and their experience with him. There are three stories in it – one from Julian’s perspective (a boy who bullied Auggie), Christopher (Auggie’s earlier friend) and Charlotte (a girl who is kind to Auggie).<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
My favourite one was the last story, the one through Charlotte’s eyes, because I could relate to it more than the others. The one from Julian’s perspective was interesting too, as it shows his side of the story and you see him in a different light from the one in the earlier book. The part about Charlotte talks a lot about friendship and the troubles she’s had with it. Ellie, her best friend leaves her, and later she struggles to keep up her friendship with Summer, an optimistic, friendly girl and Ximena, a popular, stand-offish girl, and funny person, if you get to know her. <br />
<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-in.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=IN&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=sisterswhoread-21&language=en_IN&marketplace=amazon&region=IN&placement=B00WQDVVP2&asins=B00WQDVVP2&linkId=9ec906b4c8997eedea7341f6ad746f1f&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe> <iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-in.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=IN&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=sisterswhoread-21&language=en_IN&marketplace=amazon&region=IN&placement=B00755MHXG&asins=B00755MHXG&linkId=6e1fef46713cf6b3433ea09a35694a9f&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><br />
<br />
Kindle Preview:<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="550" src="https://read.amazon.in/kp/card?asin=B00WQDVVP2&preview=inline&linkCode=kpe&ref_=cm_sw_r_kb_dp_6R97BbWCNXC43&tag=sisterswhoread-21" style="max-width: 100%;" type="text/html" width="336"></iframe><br />
<br />
© 2018, Anvita Agarwal. All rights reserved.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2140389313265762051.post-39320962234601851452018-11-18T12:37:00.000+05:302018-11-18T12:37:12.345+05:30The Brahmin, by Ravi Shankar Etteth<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6a6dExeX6wu5USNyEf_dG5LAJ8_FVxJ0cnER4WZcpM8xKN2eOoZrju-LivK5NxVDJCfZWerCqztd5YmIKMm_QtMAsbJCBMMdjnEjXHoAQIRW7TF_RD0qZR1sjK_kPmbAkAMB_2jxHkJQW/s1600/Brahmin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="322" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6a6dExeX6wu5USNyEf_dG5LAJ8_FVxJ0cnER4WZcpM8xKN2eOoZrju-LivK5NxVDJCfZWerCqztd5YmIKMm_QtMAsbJCBMMdjnEjXHoAQIRW7TF_RD0qZR1sjK_kPmbAkAMB_2jxHkJQW/s320/Brahmin.jpg" width="206" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The Brahmin, by Ravi Shankar Etteth</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://amzn.to/2TlkXGs">Amazon IN</a>, <a href="https://amzn.to/2Dt2HWn">Kindle IN</a></div>
<br />
<a href="https://amzn.to/2TnjTlk">Avishi</a> and <a href="https://amzn.to/2zexIdt">Abhaya</a> are two historical fictions written by Sai Swaroopa Iyer. After reading them, I started enjoying historical fictions and was thirsting for more. That was when my father gave me <b>The Brahmin</b> written by <b>Ravi Shankar Etteth</b>. It is a murder mystery set in the time of <b>King Ashoka</b>.<br />
<br />
When one of King Ashoka’s concumbines is murdered, the eponymous Brahmin, the head of the spies working under Ashoka, is sent to investigate. On reaching the murder site, he finds a red <b>kovidara</b> flower next to the body, which indicates that the dangerous assassin, famously known as the Red Flower is on the loose and is here to kill the king. When he informs the King about this, he is given seven days in which to find and capture the killer. The Brahmin along with his trusted lieutenant Hao decide to go to Ujjain, the residence of Queen Asandhimitra, as the war strategy plans are stored there. He stumbles upon sinister plots and his cunning is put to test when there is a chance that Queen Asandhimitra’s life is in danger too. How will he save Magadha when the enemy is always two steps ahead of him?<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
The whole book kept you on your toes. What drew me to the book was the solution to the whole problem. The way the author makes use of all the five senses to describe the scene is what helped me imagine the whole story playing in my mind. When reading the book, one thing caught my eye. While most books show King Ashoka in a favourable light, this one has taken a different view from the stereotypical version of Ashoka. They have shown Ashoka as a cruel and paranoid king who thirsted for war. This book is one of itself and is one of my all-time favourites.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="550" src="https://read.amazon.in/kp/card?asin=B0789QQDFC&preview=inline&linkCode=kpe&ref_=cm_sw_r_kb_dp_qM97BbP9ZP5TV&tag=sisterswhoread-21" style="max-width: 100%;" type="text/html" width="336"></iframe> <iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-in.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=IN&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=sisterswhoread-21&language=en_IN&marketplace=amazon&region=IN&placement=9386850710&asins=9386850710&linkId=f9536e5a91bed7beba8683246b0ff50d&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><br />
<br />
© 2018, Anvita Agarwal. All rights reserved.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2140389313265762051.post-29672401446001264602018-05-30T14:33:00.000+05:302018-05-30T14:33:06.655+05:30Carrie By Stephen King <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghnQao5-0KZT9yDxmNfZ4KhzhF5rmBdzXP4cS9YAZMJiFEoB_YoesDyUNlS0hmaAN-kOWdvMT8Id0QSr7USjPbadSJjVd5euszyWz6hA_YUI8NBW2171ge85vPf2FdQgcyZQaO7ZsVcHjt/s1600/2018-05_book_9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="591" data-original-width="385" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghnQao5-0KZT9yDxmNfZ4KhzhF5rmBdzXP4cS9YAZMJiFEoB_YoesDyUNlS0hmaAN-kOWdvMT8Id0QSr7USjPbadSJjVd5euszyWz6hA_YUI8NBW2171ge85vPf2FdQgcyZQaO7ZsVcHjt/s400/2018-05_book_9.jpg" width="260" /></a></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Cambria",serif; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">Carrie</span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Cambria",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">By Stephen King </span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Cambria",serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Category: fiction: horor</span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Cambria",serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Age: 12+</span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Cambria",serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Reviewed by: <b>Anvita</b></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Cambria",serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Buy from: <span class="MsoHyperlink"><a href="https://amzn.to/2rMKKuk">Amazon IN</a></span>, <span class="MsoHyperlink"><a href="https://amzn.to/2Lak7Iq">Amazon US</a></span></span></i></div>
<br />One of Stephen King’s earlier novels, this book explores the world of a bullied girl, Carrie, with a maniacal mother, and of the wondrous power of telekinesis which Carrie possesses, that does such horrible things. Carrie is teased at every stage of her life and is beaten up by her mother all the time. When Tommy Ross invites her to the prom ball, Chris, one of Carrie’s bullies along with her boyfriend Billy Nolan plan up a horrible night for Carrie. Forced, Carrie uses her powers that lead to terrible consequences. This was one of the first horror books that I have read, and I quiet enjoyed it because it wasn’t actually as scary as it was interesting. The reason I liked the book was how Stephen King built the plot up, and the techniques he used to make the whole story of Carrie believable, as if Carrie was a real-life character. He describes the mentality of every single character helping us understand why someone was evil and why someone was not. He has also used fake newspaper article snippets on Carrie’s problems, and has also created a fake autobiography written by Sue Snell, one of Carrie’s classmates. This makes the story very credible, as Stephen King also includes science articles that show how someone can have telekinesis. <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:RelyOnVML/>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>SA</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<w:DoNotOptimizeForBrowser/>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="false"
DefSemiHidden="false" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="375">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footer"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of figures"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope return"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="line number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="page number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of authorities"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="macro"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="toa heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Closing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Message Header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Salutation"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="List Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="List Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Mention"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Smart Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hashtag"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Unresolved Mention"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;
mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:Mangal;
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
mso-ansi-language:EN-US;
mso-fareast-language:EN-US;}
</style>
<![endif]--><br />
© 2018, Anvita Agarwal. All rights reserved.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2140389313265762051.post-68763693525351520582018-05-26T14:02:00.000+05:302018-05-26T14:02:08.559+05:30The Last Ghost: A Belladonna Johnson Adventure by Helen Stringer<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOS_LkR-xykQItF6T6ID8jZPvQzmaGUDKATl-HLsFWSzyVuJ8eMBY4K8BEQfNjEtoYFWW2yq8anrcNePu4ewYr-kzWEW0uVwvV42cB5tZmzU4meAADd_-cYiTupUkufn0NoBBfHLxraQZ1/s1600/2018-05_book_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="631" data-original-width="416" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOS_LkR-xykQItF6T6ID8jZPvQzmaGUDKATl-HLsFWSzyVuJ8eMBY4K8BEQfNjEtoYFWW2yq8anrcNePu4ewYr-kzWEW0uVwvV42cB5tZmzU4meAADd_-cYiTupUkufn0NoBBfHLxraQZ1/s400/2018-05_book_4.jpg" width="262" /></a></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Cambria",serif; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The Last Ghost: A Belladonna Johnson Adventure
(Belladonna Johnson Mystery) </span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Cambria",serif; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">by Helen Stringer</span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Cambria",serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Category: fiction: fantasy, horror</span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Cambria",serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Age: 12+</span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Cambria",serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Reviewed by: <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Anvita</b></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Cambria",serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Buy from: <span class="MsoHyperlink"><a href="https://amzn.to/2IveOl6">Amazon US</a></span>, <span class="MsoHyperlink"><a href="https://amzn.to/2GrW9ou">Amazon IN</a></span></span></i><span lang="EN-US"></span></div>
<br />This is one of the books in the Belladonna Johnson series, which is written by Helen Stringer. It revolves around a girl named Belladonna Johnson who has the power to talk to ghosts. One day, all the ghosts slowly start to vanish, and that includes her dead parents, whose absence she never felt because she would talk to their ghosts. With the help of Steve, her friend, Belladonna has to find where all the ghosts are disappearing. Before her father disappears, he warns her that the doors are closing, leaving Belladonna puzzled. Which doors? Where are the ghosts going to? I thought that this book was full of mystery and adventure, and a lot of humour. Helen Stringer made you wonder where the ghosts could have gone at every step, and also introduced a new plot in the book adding more excitement and making you want to read the next book to find out what happens. She introduced a whole new story once the ghosts started disappearing which is what actually drew me to the book. <br /><br /> © 2018, Anvita Agarwal. All rights reserved.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2140389313265762051.post-4568188600670519912018-05-25T14:01:00.000+05:302018-05-25T14:01:08.022+05:30Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY73lxrRPeNbUB2M9dRrx8bfpkvCSB1oOUTSCQYuNTsHaVIbQHLcEPXevqNqWa9YL1SKhdnXDO3EebW10u-l1qHvQQmxGh1dQqtTJvfQZxIVf6UMoyha28Cfxj5Cb8weuXcDhKKpl7gfVl/s1600/2018-05_book_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="552" data-original-width="350" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY73lxrRPeNbUB2M9dRrx8bfpkvCSB1oOUTSCQYuNTsHaVIbQHLcEPXevqNqWa9YL1SKhdnXDO3EebW10u-l1qHvQQmxGh1dQqtTJvfQZxIVf6UMoyha28Cfxj5Cb8weuXcDhKKpl7gfVl/s400/2018-05_book_3.jpg" width="252" /></a></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 18pt;">Artemis Fowl</span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 18pt;">by Eoin Colfer</span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 11pt;">category: fantasy, Science-fiction</span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 11pt;">Age: 9-12+years</span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 11pt;">Reviewed by:<span> </span><b>Anvita</b></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 11pt;">Buy from:<span> </span></span><a href="https://amzn.to/2k1IX0Y">Amazon US</a>, <a href="https://amzn.to/2Ipnfmj">Amazon IN</a></i></div>
<br />Most people must have heard of this series, and I have to admit I hadn’t read it until late. I went to this bookstore called ‘Blossom’ on Church Street and bought the first book of the Artemis Fowl series to see what the speciality of the book was. Believe me, this series of books are mind-blowing. Artemis Fowl, a twelve-year-old criminal mastermind, discovers the world of the People, basically the world of pixies, elves, dwarfs, goblins, centaurs and much more. He wants to steal some of the gold that the People possess. In order to do this, he first convinces an ailing sprite to lend him the copy of the Book, the only text that contained all the rules that the People would abide by. He then kidnaps Captain Holly Short, a fairy who works as a captain at LEPrecon (Lower Elements Police Recon) and asks for a huge ransom. The People decide to set off a bio bomb once they run out of all options. A bio bomb is a bomb that destroys any form of living tissue in the place where it has been set up, leaving the rest the way it was. How will Artemis escape the bio bomb, and also secure the gold he wants? This book has been able to describe the magical world effortlessly without making things too complicated or confusing.<br />
<br />
Unlike most books about magic that I have read, these books slowly introduce facts about magic that need to be known to the reader. The plot never lags or gets boring. There is a twist at every turn, yet there aren’t too many - just enough to keep the story interesting. There is a lot of suspense and the reader can’t stop anticipating what would happen next.<br />
<br />
© 2018, Anvita Agarwal. All rights reserved.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2140389313265762051.post-58770131557595696022018-05-24T00:30:00.000+05:302018-05-24T00:30:05.345+05:30Time Riders - Book 1 By Alex Scarrow<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNT4mfwVa8r1_THeKwK5zdUV5HTm1u7ZMFEOs1C-L-BJ6gkwDSq3QMHQHxtEr5tXXIBwSwzXqYYW_hg0ilsHmj-DZMZaFN8qktl5Pt9KhVX8fCN5ylMcGeh78xSiT3YkggesaXuH9QO11z/s1600/2018-05_book_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="326" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNT4mfwVa8r1_THeKwK5zdUV5HTm1u7ZMFEOs1C-L-BJ6gkwDSq3QMHQHxtEr5tXXIBwSwzXqYYW_hg0ilsHmj-DZMZaFN8qktl5Pt9KhVX8fCN5ylMcGeh78xSiT3YkggesaXuH9QO11z/s400/2018-05_book_2.jpg" width="260" /></a></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 18pt;">Time Riders - Book 1</span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 14pt;">By Alex Scarrow</span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 11pt;">category: fantasy, crime, thriller, science-fiction</span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 11pt;">Age: 12-16 years</span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 11pt;">Reviewed by:<span> </span><b>Anvita</b></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 11pt;">Buy from:<span> </span></span><a href="https://amzn.to/2IrllgZ">Amazon US</a>, <a href="https://amzn.to/2GpWqZb">Amazon IN</a></i></div>
<br />This book is a science fiction books series written by Alex Scarrow. It talks about a group called ‘The Agency’, whose main goal is to prevent people from meddling with the past to change the future. Three people, Liam, Maddy and Sal, who should have been dead, have been given the chance to join ‘The Agency’ and get to live life in secret. Foster, an old man who recruited them helps them run the agency. They work with the help of cyborgs, robots who can imitate human emotions. Their first mission is when a man called Kramer goes back to the time of Adolf Hitler and changes the past so that Hitler wins the world war. This results in a huge time wave. They now live in a place which is rigidly structured and the whole of New York city is bleak and grey. Liam and the cyborg Bob must go back in time to prevent Kramer from changing the past. Later Maddy, Sal and Foster find out that all their engines have shut down, and they need diesel to run them again. Meanwhile, another time wave strikes that ends up killing all life on earth and mutant cannibal creatures now live on Earth. How will the three bring back Bob and Liam without their engines working?<br />
<br />
This series is very fascinating, as the part about time travel and the machines used is explained very well. The technique using which the three handle the problems with the help of Bob, their support unit, is truly unique, and none of the stories in the books is repetitive. Each character’s personality is different, allowing the hero to have some faults, showing that not everyone is perfect. To make the story better, Alex Scarrow has added a different plot. While the three are busy correcting history, they discover dark secrets about the agency. This makes it mystifying and each secret is very important to finding out the truth about the Agency. <br /><br />
© 2018, Anvita Agarwal. All rights reserved.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2140389313265762051.post-81262947174504878032018-05-23T13:57:00.004+05:302018-05-23T13:58:39.552+05:30Point Blank (Alex Rider Book 2) by Anthony Horowitz<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0hhAcFyAmo7oGVbS6ZYIl95slgHWymEVcr8Kij1ubHkqmTs3-ESmasPN702R4v_UYDj92JoVVvG731_dU5suWuQTTllaVTfEaZosIhbbbDjdoAh_H13OPbT7-pYC5-zX5PLqgXv853FH4/s1600/2018-05_book_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="326" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0hhAcFyAmo7oGVbS6ZYIl95slgHWymEVcr8Kij1ubHkqmTs3-ESmasPN702R4v_UYDj92JoVVvG731_dU5suWuQTTllaVTfEaZosIhbbbDjdoAh_H13OPbT7-pYC5-zX5PLqgXv853FH4/s400/2018-05_book_1.jpg" width="260" /></a></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 18pt;">Point Blank (Alex Rider Book 2)</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 11pt;"></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> by Anthony Horowitz</span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 11pt;">category: fantasy, science fiction, horror</span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 11pt;">Age: 12+years</span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 11pt;">Reviewed by:<span> </span><b>Anvita</b></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 11pt;">Buy from:<span> </span></span><a href="https://amzn.to/2IsrkWY">Amazon US</a>, <a href="https://amzn.to/2wIMv1g">Amazon IN</a></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></i></div>
In the last newsletter, I talked about a series called ‘<b>Power of Five: Raven’s Gate</b>’. The same author has written another best-selling series named ‘Alex Rider’. Filled with the hair-rising adventures of Alex Rider, a fourteen-year-old who is forced to take the place of his deceased uncle, Ian Rider, an undercover spy for MI6. He is sent on a mission to reveal the secrets of Point Blanc, a disciplinary school where the rich send their children to help keep their toes in line. The accidental deaths of two parents whose kids were at Point Blanc, makes the MI6 suspicious and they send Alex to investigate the place. He is disguised as the son of Sir David Friend, a rich man who owns a successful chain of supermarkets and is equipped with a set of clever gadgets to assist him. The genius of the plot of any of the books in this series is that the solution is so spectacularly clever that one cannot even think of it, yet when one reviews all the facts, everything adds up. Usually in books involving spies, they mostly mention the excitement of the profession, but this book takes a new perspective. It shows the dislike that Alex feels towards the agency and his profession. None of the scenes in the books sound very repetitive, as if the plot of this book is the same as the plot in other such books.<br />
© 2018, Anvita Agarwal. All rights reserved.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2140389313265762051.post-38474778387029302442018-05-01T19:32:00.004+05:302018-05-01T19:32:59.761+05:30Our Indic Book Recommendations<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
From among all the books we covered in our monthly newsletters, here are some that we recommend on topics that are Indian or written by Indian authors. Hope you like them!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsIMWPHSjmTloRQ50Ii8J2m3BC3kaWUwrFuhDowPV-Asjg_1UawP4mBoJYd37vDRH92Z6tneB5mJgurBvjVph4XNzuICO_xblZH6JqwdKj66ZrFfeKLIqfp8lUETpYIOfXuQTvWeHWlL9i/s1600/2017-07_book_08.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="486" data-original-width="386" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsIMWPHSjmTloRQ50Ii8J2m3BC3kaWUwrFuhDowPV-Asjg_1UawP4mBoJYd37vDRH92Z6tneB5mJgurBvjVph4XNzuICO_xblZH6JqwdKj66ZrFfeKLIqfp8lUETpYIOfXuQTvWeHWlL9i/s320/2017-07_book_08.jpeg" width="253" /></a></div>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Six Spellmakers of Dorabjee Street, by Shabnam Minwalla </h2>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>Age: 10+ </b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>Category: fiction, adventure </b></i></div>
I can promise you a lot of laughs from this. <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Hanuman; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Hanuman; font-size: 16px;">Nivi and her brother Nikhil, have just moved into a dull grey building called Cosy Castle, on Dorabji Street in Mumbai. She adjusts quickly with her surroundings and befriends a girl named Sarita. Their favourite spot was the garden located in the apartment. The garden had two large Bimbli trees which they used to climb and read books on. Two old ladies, Mrs. Braganza and Mrs. Katodia hate to see children laughing and playing, and start to plot together to inflict misery on the innocent children. Nivi, Nikhil, Rehaan, Sarita, Venu and Vijay must save the bimbli trees, their favourite spot.</span><br />
Reviewed in our <a href="http://anika.abhinavagarwal.net/2017/07/anvita-and-anikas-book-newsletter-july.html">July 2017 eGranth</a> newsletter <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNkoHb0kDzn1fHIAMRiAKzjRbFTiDJpt3OUsOao1munOPHxaYRTtsuXN-MHpB568_lGWM1IQnqDqTcAzCDgjAP2k6C49FtcxyFLaDki1mW-0qAPwxbnPltQ8-qFTh-flGT0ooAVyVUfHut/s1600/2017-08_book_09.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="798" data-original-width="599" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNkoHb0kDzn1fHIAMRiAKzjRbFTiDJpt3OUsOao1munOPHxaYRTtsuXN-MHpB568_lGWM1IQnqDqTcAzCDgjAP2k6C49FtcxyFLaDki1mW-0qAPwxbnPltQ8-qFTh-flGT0ooAVyVUfHut/s320/2017-08_book_09.png" width="240" /></a></div>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
A Mauryan Adventure, by Subhadra Sen Gupta </h2>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>Age: 9+ </b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>Category: fiction, history, mystery</b></i> </div>
Set in the time of King Ashoka, the book is about a girl named Madhura and a conspiracy to overthrow king Ashoka. It is how Madhura and her brother Karthik, a spy, along with the help of Kamalika, a dancer who is also a spy, find out about the conspiracy and catch the culprit. I really liked this book as it portrayed Madhura as a girl of strong character,<br />
Reviewed in our <a href="http://anvita.abhinavagarwal.net/2017/08/egranth-aug-2017-1-book-newsletter.html">Aug 2017 eGranth</a> newsletter! <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5tGRnM-qtj-XP5LwZsXzphJ3mGqYJz0hG21MC_SStz7TPoOJRoizqhoCSEF033dr_L7Ckk0j_w2eX3j9wAHGrrGXV2E_6hMYOGSCmomr0UuKPKH-ZJgAHGmakAe5JXHJ12t3qFo7cZGog/s1600/2017-08_book_12.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="597" data-original-width="391" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5tGRnM-qtj-XP5LwZsXzphJ3mGqYJz0hG21MC_SStz7TPoOJRoizqhoCSEF033dr_L7Ckk0j_w2eX3j9wAHGrrGXV2E_6hMYOGSCmomr0UuKPKH-ZJgAHGmakAe5JXHJ12t3qFo7cZGog/s400/2017-08_book_12.png" width="261" /></a></div>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Gita for Children, by Roopa Pai </h2>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>Age: 12+ </b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>Category: Religion, Philosophy </b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
It reads like a storybook, simple and interesting. The chapter names itself are catchy. Reviewed in our <a href="http://anvita.abhinavagarwal.net/2017/08/egranth-aug-2017-1-book-newsletter.html">Aug 2017 eGranth </a>newsletter. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<a name='more'></a><br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDjiZqH7RyiFTIikBVdCAf9oeJ-QvGsPbOOMa7UUqy5w01UKx9PJMVo9ReE-lXIjIIVc13rMhQOK1aWquSfPsr6UAkKp1e26s3-b6ib_4asdgG9rsUPBMcqMaBsbUTqX1u8mSg2L5q3-B5/s1600/2017-08_book_20.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="327" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDjiZqH7RyiFTIikBVdCAf9oeJ-QvGsPbOOMa7UUqy5w01UKx9PJMVo9ReE-lXIjIIVc13rMhQOK1aWquSfPsr6UAkKp1e26s3-b6ib_4asdgG9rsUPBMcqMaBsbUTqX1u8mSg2L5q3-B5/s320/2017-08_book_20.jpeg" width="209" /></a></div>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Sita - Warrior of Mithila, by Amish Tripathi</h2>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>Age: 10+</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>Category: mythology, religion, fiction</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The book starts with Sita’s birth. The book was very interesting and full of suspense. If you read the whole book you will find a very unexpected traitor at the end. I found it better than the first one.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQPQb1K-N2NMf9ftPQzzZMSqFXp3L9fbHacrFnZgxV6m0ZvMn-njLOxRoi5Gi8wmqzyaT3i0rbdvQ0BXtPhqiVM2JvIiW0z4h7pOg6f4kCz17v801RYNIDh6oDX5TO4yFd2rjRYqnPz3NO/s1600/2017-09_book_20.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="300" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQPQb1K-N2NMf9ftPQzzZMSqFXp3L9fbHacrFnZgxV6m0ZvMn-njLOxRoi5Gi8wmqzyaT3i0rbdvQ0BXtPhqiVM2JvIiW0z4h7pOg6f4kCz17v801RYNIDh6oDX5TO4yFd2rjRYqnPz3NO/s320/2017-09_book_20.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
The Thama Stories, by Kamala Laxman </h2>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>Age: 6+ </b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>Category: Fiction, animals</b></i> </div>
I truly adore this book! <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Hanuman; font-size: 16px;">M</span>y favourite tale is the first one, in which he befriends a little sparrow named Gumchikki. The tale starts with Thama's mother leaving him alone in the woods because she has to go and see his grandmother. She leaves Thama a large amount of food and warns him to make the food last for the number of days she is away, and not gobble the food in day. Once she leaves, he starts feeling hungry and he ends up finishing all the food at once! He starts to feel hungry once he has a nap and then remembers he has no food left. What will he do? This is just the plot of one of these stories. Reviewed in our <a href="http://anika.abhinavagarwal.net/2017/09/egranth-anvita-and-anikas-book.html">Sep 2017 eGranth</a> newsletter.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgye3dfdGqBZknJfbkJlmcFnTrUjE3n-MUR3Aqn4D0AFQ870RcSEracs2tFKH_R0DrmPrYTzM5UzMixTkcKfspuC60qdLqQRSj2bntJy-HJhYMYhOtgGr-eOScxRD2SL4KYRxM4ZPtSjiWV/s1600/2018-01_book_11.jpg" /></div>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
"Sita’s Sister", by Kavita Kane (<a href="https://twitter.com/kavitakane">@kavitakane</a>)</h2>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b> Age: 12+ </b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>Category: Hinduism, mythology, fiction </b></i></div>
<br />
It talks about a character rarely noticed, Urmila, Sita’s younger sister. The book describes everything through Urmila’s eyes. It concentrates on her emotions and feelings. It also describes her long internal struggle as she is separated from her husband for 14 long years. I thought that Urmila must have been a woman of exceptional strength that she was able to bear 14 years of separation. I as a kid felt that the book could have done with a little less romance. Kavita Kane has described everything really nicely. I really felt that this was a book worth reading. Anika also reviewed this book in March 2017. Read the full review at <a href="https://t.co/bHc0bG8aMA">http://anika.abhinavagarwal.net/2017/03/sitas-sister-by-kavita-</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAUGU3oTmN9caii7WQUAfzTLuSLKwx9I1wxcu67JBsjLEd3TiQXm5RJVXcxKZAoHPoiojLRxKhMSqN-zODiVA1zGlGE8mHXRprZcHglvSlzL8lijRr4a7XN1dNzyhc2eqUQ1QAqMCaQSe0/s1600/image010%255B1%255D.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="338" data-original-width="602" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAUGU3oTmN9caii7WQUAfzTLuSLKwx9I1wxcu67JBsjLEd3TiQXm5RJVXcxKZAoHPoiojLRxKhMSqN-zODiVA1zGlGE8mHXRprZcHglvSlzL8lijRr4a7XN1dNzyhc2eqUQ1QAqMCaQSe0/s400/image010%255B1%255D.gif" width="400" /></a></div>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
"Purna Vidya"</h2>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>Age: 6+ </b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>Category: mythology, education</b></i> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Purna Vidya is a series of books that explain to us our Hindu Culture, our epics & various stories. One of our top five Hinduism book picks of 2017, we covered it in our <a href="http://anika.abhinavagarwal.net/2018/02/egranth-book-newsletter-jan-2018.html">Jan 2018 eGranth</a> newsletter.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1saDacEPEev70hsBPzzHGwndCPIOH9t9bDpU6OIfo_pO1KKeHSuNbS1cWpBSbU5S2lzK5VtrPxJWA6tPv60-Orf7Mg2JvUya7jzJ_P3eRV_Ny1Kf3YaxFCbPHd44otF3SsKcCgiDFK23j/s1600/816c8c9QNcL%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1156" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1saDacEPEev70hsBPzzHGwndCPIOH9t9bDpU6OIfo_pO1KKeHSuNbS1cWpBSbU5S2lzK5VtrPxJWA6tPv60-Orf7Mg2JvUya7jzJ_P3eRV_Ny1Kf3YaxFCbPHd44otF3SsKcCgiDFK23j/s400/816c8c9QNcL%255B1%255D.jpg" width="288" /></a></div>
<br />
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Taranauts, by Roopa Pai</h2>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>Age: 9+</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>Category: sci-fi, fantasy, adventure </b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
An engrossing series of 8 books, set in an entirely new Universe named Mithya. One of our favourite series and we covered it in our <a href="http://anika.abhinavagarwal.net/2017/05/anvita-and-anikas-book-newsletter-may.html">May 2017 </a>newsletter. </div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKKvffc_UbRwrgHuJBK0gKsKDfwVaXL2Er7NPFTp3H5_rKjynR_47QIE_z57ikSyqagn9rJr_ddOae3sgn0WC0-Fcmeu4uMMnIH8eLs5FXcz-pR0591BuLEgJljayxfO86lpff-vFXBpLX/s400/2017-04_book_20.jpeg" /></div>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
"The Complete Adventures of Feluda", by Satyajit Ray</h2>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Age: 12+ Category: detective fiction, adventure </div>
The book revolves around Feluda, a twenty-seven-year-old amateur detective. He is usually accompanied by his thirteen-year-old cousin Topshe. All of Feluda’s adventures have been described through Topshe’s eyes. Topshe too is aspiring to be a detective and is Feluda’s assistant. Feluda has an amazing observation due to which most of the mysteries are solved. I think Feluda is the Indian Sherlock Holmes. My favourite story was the ‘Kailash Choudhary Jewel’. It was the first of the Feluda stories that I had read.We covered this book in our <a href="http://anvita.abhinavagarwal.net/2017/05/anvita-and-anikas-book-newsletter-april.html">April 2017 eGranth </a>newsletter.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVzIv4rIyvYdAmO7Jb3hX3Ts0rcpClPjKBMR1fjILHjeAoGRaP-9PyFlvfIJXgi5VF5NCDMwLf2xVTsmQfAHFtdbvraIP1tWJYF1uYqIaiShp3jHo76TBMTk6FxovpCBEIjum734QU2YIa/s1600/51ha4eZEatL%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="333" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVzIv4rIyvYdAmO7Jb3hX3Ts0rcpClPjKBMR1fjILHjeAoGRaP-9PyFlvfIJXgi5VF5NCDMwLf2xVTsmQfAHFtdbvraIP1tWJYF1uYqIaiShp3jHo76TBMTk6FxovpCBEIjum734QU2YIa/s400/51ha4eZEatL%255B1%255D.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Ponniyin Selvan, by Kalki Krishnamurthy</h2>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b> Age: 12+ </b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>Category: history, fiction, Hinduism</b></i> </div>
Ponniyan Selvan is another name for the prince Arulmozhivarmar, popularly known as Raja Raja Chola. Fictionalized history books. Anvita loved the series & plans to re-read all six books in the Ponniyin Selvan series this summer. Vallavarayan Vandiyathevan is one her favourite characters from the series. Covered in our <a href="https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B4hE61PDqogfamNpVDRiZ3R1MWc">June 2017 eGranth newsletter</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu77HfSVSUn8T8LxJcRX1yf0A3ajY6AAY0BidIpJCb-7jpZ7BsIq2-_jxTGyfusKUOSVgZEAYVeSnSTQWFaX4pwBpli7sNt0BAW7EWcR8ciTP7Ky9kmwjyK611Kyunt53OEywDvpKbaAqd/s400/2018-01_book_4.jpg" /></div>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
"The Kishkindha Chronicles: Saraswati’s Intelligence", by Vamsee Juluri </h2>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i> Age: 12+ </i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>Category: mythology, fiction, religion</i></b> </div>
This book talks about Hanuman before he met Lord Rama. Anvita loved the way the book beautifully describes the story of Hanuman’s life.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixAG05wU49gHiL_YE82fR_YNyDE00SjewqgA-HfDE2dCDZFQGmo8HqDEYoOeBD8S4cXtkewUoH-Qp_hFdsRKpKJeKlhMsFq70OFESpQ2g-_YwgR3zraAwvzBk4zJqIqs9S8-6lQc6Evjd3/s1600/31545047%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="452" data-original-width="318" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixAG05wU49gHiL_YE82fR_YNyDE00SjewqgA-HfDE2dCDZFQGmo8HqDEYoOeBD8S4cXtkewUoH-Qp_hFdsRKpKJeKlhMsFq70OFESpQ2g-_YwgR3zraAwvzBk4zJqIqs9S8-6lQc6Evjd3/s400/31545047%255B1%255D.jpg" width="281" /></a></div>
<br />
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Bookasura#2: Koobandhee, by Arundhati Venkatesh</h2>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>Age: 8+ </b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>Category: fiction, humour</b></i></div>
Koobandhee talks about a boy named Bala who loves reading. Unfortunately, his books are terrorized by his book-eating sister. The summer holidays start and Bala is shipped off to Melagam with his sister to live with their grandparents. Bala feels that things can’t get any worse but they do when he meets the monster Koobandhee. She eats and barfs books. She also farts a lot. Anika thought the book was very funny, the plot was very simple and the illustrations were funny too! Read the entire review <a href="http://anika.abhinavagarwal.net/2018/02/bookasura-2-koobandhee-by-arundhati.html">here</a>.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhldt3qP5O1Zxzr68nz3m44VKbxtStZw8Zcvdn0zuakwjMoAF2_IMxvmz_t3shIv8xLIO7XmvPaEBSbWvVLbX1f9Drz6h2TqhaBpQj22HzWib3c02zJfZk8nD56RPHXYyVEZX6r8GlowEYq/s400/2018-01_book_5.jpg" /></div>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Avishi: Reimagining Vishpala of the Rig Veda, by Saiswaroopa Iyer</h2>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>Age: 13+ </b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>Category: mythology, fiction</b></i></div>
This book talks about Vishpala, a queen mentioned in the Rig Veda, who lost her leg during a fight and then had her leg replaced with a metal one. Saiswaroopa Iyer, the author, has reconstructed Vishpala’s life through Avishi and also imagined some of it, to present before us this wonderful book. Saiswaroopa Iyer has written another book called ‘Abhaya’. Both her books have one thing in common - both talk about tales of women with unimaginable courage. Anvita wrote, "towards the end when Avishi and Khela fought, I was holding my breath, waiting for how it would end." Review <a href="http://anvita.abhinavagarwal.net/2018/01/avishi-vishpala-of-rig-veda-reimagined.html">here</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhncnQtgX0ZjB61-PD0KWHWp-BgGpinwbr_9C38_14sLCjhfObU8HRCJvQJiBtgQLCBOD9jCk6825aeD1MpN6zErZReta9MuUEIaagBgi2BrC0jNRz8kCjtOavvIKMDVEmj9-nvsy_A1L6u/s400/2017-12_book_06.jpg" /></div>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Incredible History of India’s Geography, by Sanjeev Sanyal </h2>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>Age: 12+ </i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>Category: history, geography, non-fiction</i></b> </div>
Anvita loved the book, and she plans to read "<b>Ocean of Churn</b>" next! Covered in our <a href="http://anvita.abhinavagarwal.net/2017/12/egranth-books-newsletter-december-2017.html">Dec 2017 eGranth</a> newsletter.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm-qzr_4P8ZfJk0eliKQw8mzBhxZzQs0Hh0nKBZ4fV6f3dH6Or51Co5iOmhC4KEyddijh-guyZLUCpGcrWMj3Pi18a7G1r0l2jZkqB4XY5MYvmkRd1fERkotLBoVbPPw0XTeUT_trX_z1_/s320/2017-10_book_25.png" /></div>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
The Kashmiri Storyteller, edited by Ruskin Bond</h2>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>Age 10+ </i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>Category: fiction, folk-tales</i></b> </div>
A collection of stories from Kashmir. The storyteller here is Javed Khan who is the owner of a shop where many children gather during cold evenings. The main children who gather there are Kamal, Shashi, Vijay and Amit. Javed Khan then tells them many interesting folktales and stories from his days in Kashmir. Another favourite of ours. From our <a href="http://anvita.abhinavagarwal.net/2017/11/egranth-books-newsletter-october-2017.html">Oct 2017 eGranth</a> newsletter.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNK6n7aTVnnHVYluwk36Fc8AqnQDWR65bkxEUZ3bSHkgwONJah9KpvU0o0XRaaiI_-LSjF9b3xF3x9o8y6ILMKpk89rawe1cNSYWjOIpHS4JnEEDo_i51O4RfVHWLXm7HZkQ8NF8qaw2mw/s320/2017-09_book_16.jpeg" width="200" /></div>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
"Malgudi Days", by RK Narayan </h2>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>Age:10+ </i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>Category: fiction</i></b> </div>
This is a fabulous collection of simple stories, set in the fictional town of Malgudi. From our <a href="http://anika.abhinavagarwal.net/2017/09/egranth-anvita-and-anikas-book.html">Sep 2017 eGranth </a>newsletter.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9fWv-eCYV1T_T0oF56K-Sc-i2aLN6GJCHCpkbb_unpXSgdMfSMt_eHRqvDBqUoMPqkfhkbSUqBH6VbSQxw_4zJlOJqD95P5mNMTlq0bRckoVAFLQZmNmK4hDDyX2dRimCROFP1jUJnKxE/s1600/6262%255B1%255D.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="140" data-original-width="475" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9fWv-eCYV1T_T0oF56K-Sc-i2aLN6GJCHCpkbb_unpXSgdMfSMt_eHRqvDBqUoMPqkfhkbSUqBH6VbSQxw_4zJlOJqD95P5mNMTlq0bRckoVAFLQZmNmK4hDDyX2dRimCROFP1jUJnKxE/s1600/6262%255B1%255D.PNG" /></a></div>
<br />
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Bharathiya Vidya Bhavan Culture Course </h2>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>Age: 9+ </i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>Category: religion, spirituality, education</i></b> </div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px;">This set of books are a lot like the Purṇa Vidya series that were mentioned in the April edition. The Culture Course series narrate around 15 stories in each book. Based on each story there are 6-7 questions. There is only one difference between the Purṇa Vidya series and the Culture Course. Purna Vidya mostly talk about stories from the Ramayana and Mahabharata whereas the Culture Course books narrate stories about folk tales, Mahabharata and Ramayana stories, stories about great rishis, the foundation of holy places, rituals, etc.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px;"> </span><br />
See <a href="https://amzn.to/2HqF4wM">here</a>, <a href="http://www.bhavans.info/bookstore/book-details.php?book_id=344">here</a>, and also our <a href="http://anvita.abhinavagarwal.net/2017/06/anvita-and-anikas-book-newsletter-june.html">June 2017 eGranth newsletter</a>!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmqYJ2_7K_M4NK4jdtvzPssvt5RLT620n9ZGXOoEI2IfqgTtMmXoBqa24XvUnXPE6E0BRRMrKGsqU9UK_BenZaxKcI2PIGnZe_dmQmgpwO-sQuBOodlX2jeIM4lr6zZxVS4CUqgN2y4rmU/s1600/2017-11_book_19.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="346" data-original-width="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmqYJ2_7K_M4NK4jdtvzPssvt5RLT620n9ZGXOoEI2IfqgTtMmXoBqa24XvUnXPE6E0BRRMrKGsqU9UK_BenZaxKcI2PIGnZe_dmQmgpwO-sQuBOodlX2jeIM4lr6zZxVS4CUqgN2y4rmU/s1600/2017-11_book_19.png" /></a></div>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Dead as a Dodo, by Venita Coelho</h2>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>Age: 8+ </i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>Category: fiction, wildlife</i></b></div>
Anika's fvaourite among the three Venita Coehlo books! Rana, Bagha and Kela are three agents from the AIA on a mission. They discover that the extinct species, the Dodo is alive! Only one managed to survive and is held at Mauritius, South America. They go to Mauritius but the dodo is taken by another person. Their job is to rescue the dodo, Sam, and find a home where people won’t try to hurt him. From our <a href="http://anvita.abhinavagarwal.net/2017/05/anvita-and-anikas-book-newsletter-april.html">April 2017 eGranth newsletter</a>!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyZR5NbXJFxr5Kn9-vC16Xem1u8GwN8X8X27zMx3SpH6n7foBNvuqrBs-ClxPiu4FeA1UlbyNLxoAuIqD5JFLt5uSrkuiYzFFJqrYhaszvMCAzGyPrm-NQG9vEVwKNiIA70olm99SySNlT/s320/2017-04_book_08.jpeg" /></div>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Monkey See, Monkey Do, by Venita Coelho</h2>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>Age: 8+ </i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>Category: fiction, wildlife</i></b> </div>
The second of three books by Venita Coehlo that both of us absolutely loved. Bagha, Kela and Rana are off on another mission to rescue the animals on whom cosmetic products are being tested. On their way, they encounter a dangerous silverback gorilla called Alpha who detests humans and his goal is to wipe out the entire human race. Rana, Kela and Bagha must rescue the animals and deal with Alpha. <a href="http://anvita.abhinavagarwal.net/2017/05/anvita-and-anikas-book-newsletter-april.html">http://anvita.abhinavagarwal.net/2017/05/anvita-and-anikas-book-newsletter-april.html</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip-p1X7BGoc4mSL7wyf3xEomQewn7LIMmGtN_h4kH3wgWL_Zy_-4pFiuUdjXrgHaIfoM000XIx6FTIROSJ5aY2QZvS2ZJ8mN4h-n7ym5SwryDH71SVlfFuEwInJtv1h72P5gmzvKTw6sg2/s400/2017-07_book_05.jpeg" /></div>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Scion of Ikshvaku, by Amish</h2>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>Age: 12+ </i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>Category: mythology, religion, fiction</i></b></div>
The story goes from the birth of Rama to Sita's abduction, and Rama sees the Pushpak Vimana taking off with Sita. The first book in the Ram Chandra series, Anvita included it in their <a href="http://anika.abhinavagarwal.net/2017/07/anvita-and-anikas-book-newsletter-july.html">July 2017 eGranth newsletter</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Pk_ygqjNAfkQQEZP0vcWNO60Hj20oiVrgTrRFkWu4D7Id147ReToVg8Jzje6IxaNp2QP1lN08XGByhoGjiyzBRD3F4iEJFnrxDWFPqb3ci3-hubDmPyybYwmO-6a5zTb8iHpGwxCmW2a/s1600/81NHQnbCCeL%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1215" data-original-width="1600" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Pk_ygqjNAfkQQEZP0vcWNO60Hj20oiVrgTrRFkWu4D7Id147ReToVg8Jzje6IxaNp2QP1lN08XGByhoGjiyzBRD3F4iEJFnrxDWFPqb3ci3-hubDmPyybYwmO-6a5zTb8iHpGwxCmW2a/s320/81NHQnbCCeL%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC_ATQWRspwot7CYqp7-_leOcc-WMaH5IeSyo_dF7_7wWTBTNifarR_SRK_0fHzrLj9JJgykm7cfkIK9Z3uNmPxe7fCK9iEsT8j6SKI9C0PyClXNkUUglYPVHCNv-G15oT8aN8mU3henJF/s1600/2017-08_book_22.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="916" data-original-width="595" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC_ATQWRspwot7CYqp7-_leOcc-WMaH5IeSyo_dF7_7wWTBTNifarR_SRK_0fHzrLj9JJgykm7cfkIK9Z3uNmPxe7fCK9iEsT8j6SKI9C0PyClXNkUUglYPVHCNv-G15oT8aN8mU3henJF/s200/2017-08_book_22.jpeg" width="129" /></a></div>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Krishnavatara: The book of Satyabhama, by K.M. Munshi</h2>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>Age: 11+ </i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>Category: religion, mythology</i></b></div>
This is a retelling of Krishna's life in a series of seven books. Well-written and engaging. We covered in our <a href="http://anvita.abhinavagarwal.net/2017/08/egranth-aug-2017-2-book-newsletter.html">August 2017 eGranth newsletter</a>.<br />
The entire series of seven books is also highly recommended:<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<ol>
<li>The Magic Flute </li>
<li>The Wrath of an Emperor </li>
<li>The Five Brothers </li>
<li>The Book of Bhima </li>
<li>The Book of Satyabhama </li>
<li>The Book of Vedavyaasa the Master </li>
<li>The Book Of Yudhishtira </li>
</ol>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3IVj8zxvEcJQa6qkUHUFuKZ2985B2fSZ2SjVPPFOEc_b56ZwFDZ7_98ruKRshjOkEFZuzibgMoMXOvon2Yef6u-T7JURD6UG-Sb3AS1LHjqKUErhCC0Vad3a3eB1Gfwkt31CCkEAeSFRU/s1600/2017-04_book_06.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="249" data-original-width="163" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3IVj8zxvEcJQa6qkUHUFuKZ2985B2fSZ2SjVPPFOEc_b56ZwFDZ7_98ruKRshjOkEFZuzibgMoMXOvon2Yef6u-T7JURD6UG-Sb3AS1LHjqKUErhCC0Vad3a3eB1Gfwkt31CCkEAeSFRU/s1600/2017-04_book_06.jpeg" /></a></div>
<br />
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Tiger By The Tail, by Venita Coelho</h2>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>Age: 10+ </i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>Category: fiction, wildlife, adventure</i></b> </div>
A wild ride, a page turner adventure! Kela, a langur, is Agent 013; Bagha, a tiger, is Agent 002 and has a license to kill; and Rana, Agent 11.5, is a human, and all three are agents from the AIA (Animal Intelligence Agency). They must rescue the tigers that are being taken to China for illegal activities. Venita Coelho has protested against animal trade through this book in an interesting manner. Covered in our <a href="http://anvita.abhinavagarwal.net/2017/05/anvita-and-anikas-book-newsletter-april.html">first eGranth newsletter of April 2017</a>!!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwGN-ZIOgAcSu-GdXQH1c_f1NabGFLYGBQHXXmTM9wnJC6vTnvq-KT_Un4bgN0Q6SabDef9GvFGN4ZvCEdPRnZy477x8Rcno73wFri5JBhuK6uJ5JZ9mga3ZruKg1Q8gpMmrCSFk6ujtPS/s320/2017-07_book_04.jpeg" width="209" /></div>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Lanka’s Princess, by @kavitakane</h2>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>Age: 12+ </i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>Category: mythology, religion, fiction</i></b> </div>
She has described most of the story from Shurpanakha eyes & concentrating on her emotions, while being fair to Rama & Lakshmana. Anika's <a href="http://anika.abhinavagarwal.net/2017/05/lankas-princess-by-kavita-kane.html">review is here</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />
© 2018, Anvita Agarwal, Anika Agarwal. All rights reserved.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2140389313265762051.post-17172273788661053032018-04-23T15:21:00.000+05:302018-04-23T15:21:08.536+05:30Brahma Purana, by Bibek Debroy<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX3KsCJ1sfRxN2jfYM-gz7LahnU9zzX-0OJRC75d5yF8Jvwn_CM4uxtcfTZiuXcsk_624MCiJ0obr3xTUiqOAkwvSeBVNZazzasrvoyOi91UHtP0wnbCxdfyY-yfRd5ueaKX80wjmIj5c/s1600/01218.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="486" data-original-width="317" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX3KsCJ1sfRxN2jfYM-gz7LahnU9zzX-0OJRC75d5yF8Jvwn_CM4uxtcfTZiuXcsk_624MCiJ0obr3xTUiqOAkwvSeBVNZazzasrvoyOi91UHtP0wnbCxdfyY-yfRd5ueaKX80wjmIj5c/s400/01218.png" width="260" /></a></div>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Brahma Purana, translated by Bibek Debroy</h2>
This is the seventeenth purana I am reviewing and is a <b>Rajasika purana</b>. It is the <b>first purana </b>in the order of puranas and has around <b>nineteen thousand shlokas</b>. The Purana is divided into <b>245 chapters </b>(adhyayas). It is believed that the Brahma Purana was the first to be composed. We are not very sure of this because the original text of this Purana is lost, and the present text is not very old. If one notices the Brahma Purana, you will notice that it seems to have been reconstructed based on the accounts of the Vishnu Purana, the Markandeya Purana, the Vayu Purana, the Mahabharata and the Harivamsha. <b>I do not know how this Purana is a Rajasika Purana </b>because it doesn’t appreciate Brahma more than the rest of the gods, and the part about creation is the same as the other Puranas with no extra information. This Purana starts with creation and goes on to talk about the stories behind different tirthas and temples, which also have a hidden value behind them.<br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
Favourite Stories</h3>
<br />
<a name='more'></a>The Brahma Purana is also very interesting, as most of the stories after you have read about half of the Purana, are new stories which tell you stories that help answer some questions that may arise. This Purana praises Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu in equal amount, and all the stories ask you to be righteous, follow the path of dharma, and pray to the gods selflessly. My favourite stories were when Garuda complains to Lord Vishnu how the other gods shower their vahanas, or vehicles with riches and how he is not even appreciated. My second favourite story was the story on how the Jagannath temple of Puri came to be. There are two different versions of the story on how this temple was made.<br />
<br />
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
Garuda and Maninaga: </h4>
Once, the great snake <b>Ananta </b>had a son named <b>Maninaga</b>. <b>Garuda </b>was the enemy of the snakes and he would slay any snake he came upon. To protect himself, Maninaga prayed to Shiva and obtained the boon that he would not be killed by Garuda. When Garuda came to know of this, he could not kill Maninaga, but captured him. When <b>Nandi </b>saw this, he went to Shiva and asked Shiva to save Maninaga. Shiva advised Nandi to pray to Vishnu. Nandi started praying and asked Vishnu to save Maninaga from imprisonment. Vishnu granted him this boon and asked Garuda to free Maninaga. Garuda found this very unfair and complained to Vishnu. He said that other gods treated their servants very well. He said that the servants get gifts, but if Garuda gets something on his own, Vishnu asks him to give it up. He also added that it was Garuda who would carry Vishnu to the battlefield to fight the demons and also helped Vishnu many a times. Vishnu smilingly accepted that Garuda was very strong, and asked Garuda to show his strength by bearing Vishnu’s little finger. Vishnu placed his little finger on Garuda’s head, but Garuda could not bear the weight, so it crushed his head. Garuda realized his folly and prayed to Vishnu that his appearance may be changed to his old self. Nandi took Garuda to Shiva, who asked Garuda to bathe in the <b>Goutami Ganga</b>. When Garuda did so, his appearance was normal again, and he also became stronger and swifter than earlier.<br />
<br />
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
Indrayumna and Purushottama Kshetra: </h4>
In the <b>sata yuga </b>there lived a powerful and righteous king named <b>Indrayumna</b>. Indrayumna was a great devotee of Vishnu, and he decided he would go to a tirtha to pray to Vishnu. When he saw all the tirthas, he did not think that any one of them was appropriate for worshipping Vishnu. Indrayumna’s capital was <b>Avanti</b>, and though Avanti had many beautiful temples, Indrayumna wasn’t satisfied, and wanted to build a new temple. He left Avanti with his soldiers to find a place where he could start building a temple. After travelling for many days, they arrived on the shores of a Southern Ocean named <b>Lavana Samudra</b>. The shores of the ocean were very beautiful and so was the place near it, called <b>Purushottama Kshetra</b>. This place is modern day <b>Puri</b>. This place was a very important tirtha, but its knowledge had been hidden. The story says that there used to be an image of Vishnu which if worshipped prevented a sinner from going to hell. Everyone started visiting this image, and so no one went to hell. In despair, Yama went to Vishnu and asked him to do something as there was no one he could punish. Vishnu hid the murti in the sands, so that no one knew it existed.<br />
<br />
Indrayumna was very happy with the place and knew that near Purushottama Kshetra was a place where many religious people lived. He therefore decided to build a temple here. With the help of other kings, a sacrifice was held, and they started building the temple. Once the temple was built, the problem was that how should the main idol be made. One day when Indrayumna was asleep, he had a dream where Vishnu told him to cut the wood of a tree that was growing on the shores of the ocean. When Indrayumna was about to chop the tree, two brahmanas appeared and reprimanded him for trying to do so, but when they heard Indrayumna’s dream, they agreed. These two brahmanas were <b>Vishnu and Vishvakarma </b>in disguise. Vishnu suggested that Vishvakarma make the idols. Vishvakarma did this in a matter of minutes, and there were three idols in front of Indrayumna. One was of Balarama, the other of Krishna and the last of Subhadra. All the idols were beautiful, and elegant with the clothes and there was fine architecture. When Indrayumna saw this, he realized that they had to be gods. Vishnu and Vishvakarma revealed themselves to Indrayumna and told him that he would rule for ten thousand and nine hundred years. They also promised him a special seat in heaven. On an auspicious day, the idols were installed in the temple. <br />
<br />
Everyone should listen to a recital of the Brahma Purana. If one does so, a brahmana becomes learned, a kshatriya becomes victorious, a vaishya becomes rich and a shudra attains happiness. Anyone wh listens to the recital obtains all his wishes and the punya acquired is greater than that obtained by visiting the most holy of tirthas or performing the most difficult of yajnas. However, the secrets of this Purana must not be shared with atheists who did not believe in god.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://amzn.to/2pisedp" style="background-color: white; color: #7f7fff; font-family: Hanuman; font-size: 16px;">Kindle India</a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "hanuman"; font-size: 16px;">, </span><a href="http://amzn.to/2pKEhBr" style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-family: Hanuman; font-size: 16px; text-decoration-line: none;">Kindle US</a><br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="550" src="https://read.amazon.in/kp/card?asin=B01L4FV8SC&preview=inline&linkCode=kpe&ref_=cm_sw_r_kb_dp_MZ0WAbDD435G3&tag=abhisblog-21" style="max-width: 100%;" type="text/html" width="336"></iframe><br />
<br />
© 2018, Anvita Agarwal. All rights reserved.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2140389313265762051.post-22901508017137192752018-04-22T19:13:00.000+05:302018-04-22T19:13:08.467+05:30Skanda Purana, by Bibek Debroy<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1E8DXHeIWjCplnPBC9T2zUvsv6zuqbt6OZXqOcGUI24huFJIMaLIRB_dsbZsFH12Vu4deldrOj4LMhMWmmskc_RNm37DJc0XX3OUw0IPp1p8dufVwJQ9bE2VXep1aWjSgH1-I2OIfFdA/s1600/03479.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="479" data-original-width="292" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1E8DXHeIWjCplnPBC9T2zUvsv6zuqbt6OZXqOcGUI24huFJIMaLIRB_dsbZsFH12Vu4deldrOj4LMhMWmmskc_RNm37DJc0XX3OUw0IPp1p8dufVwJQ9bE2VXep1aWjSgH1-I2OIfFdA/s400/03479.png" width="243" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Skanda Purana, translated by Bibek Debroy</h2>
This is the sixteenth purana I am reviewing and is also my last Tamasika purana. I love this Purana and it is <b>my favourite purana </b>as it has many stories. Puranas are named thus as they are of <b>purakala </b>(ancient) times and also because they <b>complement (purana) </b>the knowledge of the Vedas. The Skanda Purana is the thirteenth Purana in the list and is the <b>longest Purana </b>with <b>eighty-one thousand shlokas</b>. It is nine times the length of the shortest purana and about four to five times the length of a purana that is average in length. It is <b>believed that the Skanda Purana was the first Purana to be written</b>, as quite a few of the stories are the same ones that are mentioned in the Mahabharata. This Purana is divided into seven parts or khandas, which are as follows:<br />
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Maheshvara khanda – the part relating to Shiva</li>
<li>Vishnu Khanda – the part relating to Vishnu</li>
<li>Brahma Khanda – the part relating to Brahma</li>
<li>Kashi Khanda – the part relating to the holy city of Kashi or Varanasi</li>
<li>Avanti Khanda – the part relating to the kingdom of Avanti</li>
<li>Nagara Khanda – the part relating to the cities (nagara)</li>
<li>Prabhasa Khanda – the part relating to the holy tirtha (place of pilgrimage) of Prabhasa</li>
</ul>
<br />
<a name='more'></a>The whole abridged translation only contains stories which makes it very enjoyable to read and I did not even feel that it was the longest purana I was reading. All the stories are interesting, though half of the book includes stories on why particular places or tirthas are very holy. The first half of the book includes stories on Shiva, Parvati, and Skanda. Some say that this Purana was narrated by Skanda (Kartikeya) first, as the Purana is named after him. Other sources say that it originally must have been recited to Skanda by Parvati, who then passed the knowledge to Nandi, Shiva’s most important attendant, who in return passed the knowledge to <b>Sage Atri</b>.<br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
Favourite Stories</h3>
The stories mentioned in this purana are entirely new ones that I haven’t heard of in other puranas. Being a Tamasika purana it extolls praises of Lord Shiva but contains no rituals. In the abridged translation which I’m reviewing, the author says that the rituals, geography, narakas, and other such details are the same as they are in most puranas and asks the reader to take reference with other puranas. One of my favourite stories is when they talk about a little fight between Parvati and Shiva. It is funny because it includes <b>Narada muni</b>, who creates mischief wherever he goes. The second story is why the tirtha <b>Mahisagarasangama </b>is so important. The story is interesting, which is why I am including it in my review. I want to include many more stories, but then this would not remain a review of the purana.<br />
<br />
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
The Game of Dice: </h4>
Once, Sage Narada visited Mount Kailasha. Over there he saw Shiva and Parvati looking very happy in each other’s company. Narada suggested that the best way for both to spend time together was to play a game of dice. They started playing dice, and Shiva won with the help of Narada and a little trickery. They started teasing Parvati, and angered, she challenged Shiva to another game of dice. This time, she won. This time she started teasing him, and slowly a fight started. To make matters worse, Narada said that Shiva hadn’t truly lost as he had lost willingly. He said that nobody could defeat Shiva. In anger, Shiva opened his third eye, but it didn’t do any harm to Parvati. Embarrased, Shiva left Kailasha and went to a forest and started meditating. Parvati decided to have a little fun, so she transformed into a beautiful woman and disturbed Shiva’s penance. Shiva wanted to marry the Parvati. Parvati asked Shiva to take her father’s permission in doing so. Parvati led Shiva to her own father Himalaya. Shiva realized that he had been distracted, so he went to mount <b>Gandharnadana </b>and started meditating there. Seeing this, Narada decided it was high time Shiva was forgiven, so all the other gods went to mount Gandharnadana and chanted hymns in praise of Shiva. Shiva then returned to Kailasha and was reunited with Parvati again.<br />
<br />
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
Mahisagarasangama: </h4>
Narada went to <b>Sage Bhrigu </b>and asked him which holy land should be donated to a brahmana. To answer Narada’s question, Bhrigu narrated this tale. Once when Bhrigu had gone to this place called Mahisagarasangama, he had seen an old sage named <b>Devasharma</b>, sorrowful there. When he asked the sage for the reason for his sorrow, the sage replied that he had a hermitage at Gangasagarasangama where he used to give offerings to his ancestors every day. He noticed that the ancestors of <b>Sage Subhadra </b>looked happier because he had made the offerings here. He decided to do the same, but his wife was not ready to shift his ashrama here. He was sad as he did not know what to do. He was loyal to his wife, but also to his ancestors. When Devasharma was narrating his story to Bhrigu, Sage Subhadra came. He came upon a solution to the problem. Subhadra would make offerings to Devasharma’s ancestors at Mahisagarasangama and Devasharma would make offerings to Subhadra’s ancestors at Gangasagarasangama. Also, as Mahisagarasangama is holier than Gangasagarasangama, one-fourth of Devasharma’s punya acquired through Tapasya would go to Subhadra. Devasharma agreed, and thus Bhrigu ended his tale. <br />
<br />
A lot of punya is acquired if one hears all the seven khandas of this purana being recited. If anyone reads the purana for a few days, whatever he wishes to do will be achieved. Even if a fraction of a couplet is heard, one goes to Vishnu’s abode. On reading the Skanda Purana or even hearing it being read, a brahmana obtains the knowledge of all the vedas, a kshatriya defeats his enemies, a vaishya obtains wealth and food grains and a shudra attains happiness. This Purana also grants a long life, reunion with separated friends, and marriage to a husband of one’s desire.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://amzn.to/2EzGAvu" style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-family: Hanuman; font-size: 16px; text-decoration-line: none;">Amazon US</a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "hanuman"; font-size: 16px;">, </span><a href="http://amzn.to/2qclKiJ" style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-family: Hanuman; font-size: 16px; text-decoration-line: none;">Amazon IN</a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "hanuman"; font-size: 16px;"> </span><br />
<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-in.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=IN&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=abhisblog-21&marketplace=amazon&region=IN&placement=B01L465QSO&asins=B01L465QSO&linkId=c8c71738196df06741d7010a3ec5432d&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe> <iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=abhinav-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B01L465QSO&asins=B01L465QSO&linkId=2ea8309747cd9563e9f8dd4baefcb103&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><br />
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="550" src="https://read.amazon.in/kp/card?asin=B01L465QSO&preview=inline&linkCode=kpe&ref_=cm_sw_r_kb_dp_e92sAb25Z26SM&tag=abhisblog-21" style="max-width: 100%;" type="text/html" width="336"></iframe><br />
<br />
© 2018, Anvita Agarwal. All rights reserved.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2140389313265762051.post-55184038041312967382018-04-18T23:34:00.000+05:302018-04-18T23:34:17.352+05:30Varaha Purana, by Bibek Debroy<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyYsMQyn0BZGdnPApTU5lV1xd-PQ-YsMUEvLEy9aqsgw-46E5Bjokd2nGnjg-LoPYARzmbgRyLijIe-uZJHu_Yw9voZo89HqErsnQZ7oHVNsfTQPneO7a8FVLnw2yQXwe1f1mIpO9jRPeZ/s1600/04386.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="473" data-original-width="296" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyYsMQyn0BZGdnPApTU5lV1xd-PQ-YsMUEvLEy9aqsgw-46E5Bjokd2nGnjg-LoPYARzmbgRyLijIe-uZJHu_Yw9voZo89HqErsnQZ7oHVNsfTQPneO7a8FVLnw2yQXwe1f1mIpO9jRPeZ/s400/04386.png" width="250" /></a></div>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Varaha Purana, translated by Bibek Debroy</h2>
This is the fourteenth purana I am reviewing and is the last of the sattvika Puranas. This Purana is slightly longer than the Vishnu Purana, and is divided into two sections, the <b>purva bhaga </b>and the <b>uttara bhaga</b>. This Purana is known as the Varaha Purana because this Purana was <b>narrated by Vishnu in his Varaha avatara </b>or form to the Earth on her request. This Purana does not talk about any specific topic but include the usual information that any Purana should have, and then narrates stories according to the questions asked by Mother Earth. The stories in this Purana include many stories on the different <b>tithis </b>and also on the different sites of pilgrimage, and also include a lot on why <b>Mathura </b>is one of the holiest places one can visit. This Purana also points out what acts will displease Lord Vishnu, and how would you make an idol.<br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
Favourite Stories</h3>
<a name='more'></a>There is one story in the Varaha Purana that talks about the <b>birth of Lord Ganesha </b>and is completely different from the one that is mentioned in the Brahmavaivarta Purana. It has its own theory on how Lord Ganesha took birth. The second story comes when they talk about the supremacy of Lord Vishnu. It is a story on why even Lord Shiva admits that Lord Vishnu is the supreme god, even over himself.<br />
<br />
<b>Chaturthi</b>:<br />
On Chaturthi, one should worship Lord Ganesha. If one does so, and also eats sesame seeds, a lot of punya is acquired. The story behind this vrata is so. Earlier, any work that would help acquire praise or merit could be performed without any difficulty, but as time passed, it became more difficult to do such work. The gods felt that another god should be created who would remove such obstacles from one’s path when prayed to. They asked the <b>God Rudra </b>to create that being. When Rudra opened his mouth, a wonderful being known as <b>Vinayaka </b>came out of his mouth. Many more Vinayaka’s came out of the pores of his body. The gods were in a fix. Who would they choose as the chief? Brahma arrived and decided that the first Vinayaka that emerged from Rudra would be the chief and would be called <b>Ganapati</b>, or the head of the ganas. As Ganapati’s birth took place on the Chaturthi, that is why the Chaturthi is sacred to Ganapati.<br />
<br />
<b>The Supremacy of Vishnu</b>:<br />
At the time of creation, Brahma asked Shiva to create. Shiva decided to meditate under the water. As he was doing so, a miniature statue of <b>Narayana </b>was lying under the water when Shiva reached there. Shiva ignored it and started to meditate. As he was meditating, <b>eleven fiery forms </b>appeared before him, and when he questioned them on who they were, they just vanished. Right after that, a bright form appeared before Shiva. The form replied that he was Narayana and the water was his abode. He said that the eleven forms that had appeared were the <b>eleven adityas</b>. Shiva was able to see Narayana because Narayana had granted Shiva divine sight that allowed Shiva to see. Otherwise, like all other creatures, Shiva wouldn’t be able to see Narayana. After saying this, Narayana first took the form of the miniature statue, and then grew so big, that his head had disappeared above the clouds. Narayana then vanished. Therefore, even Lord Shiva is forced to admit that Lord Vishnu is the supreme being. <br />
<br />
Here is a small prayer you may recite if you wish to pray to Lord Vishnu:<br />
<br />
<i>"Salutations to the one with an infinite number of eyes, hands and feet, the one with the sun and the moon as his eyes, salutations to the one who manifests himself in an image dressed in white in satya yuga, blood-red in treta yuga, yellow in dvapara yuga, and black in kali yuga. Salutations to the one who created the brahmanas from his mouth, kshatriyas from his arms, vaishyas from his thighs and shudras from the tips of his feet, salutations to the one who carries a shield, a sword, a mace, and the divine lotus"</i><br />
Reading this Purana or even hearing it being read, frees one of his sins and liberates the mind. One can also have sons and grandsons if the above is followed. The punya acquired is many times more if the purana is heard in a tirtha. It is said that if one reads just one chapter of the Varaha Purana, the punya acquired is the same that will be acquired by donating ten healthy cows. If you read ten chapters, you obtain the punya that one obtains by performing a huge sacrifice. Lastly, reading this Purana pleases Lord Narayana.<br />
<br />
Since this is the kali yuga, the yuga where there is no shortage of sins, why not read this Purana to reap its benefits?<br />
<br />
<i>© 2018, Anvita Agarwal. All rights reserved.</i></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2140389313265762051.post-18145107453679391962018-04-16T18:22:00.000+05:302018-04-16T18:22:19.734+05:30Agni Purana, translated by Bibek Debroy<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqGPPx_oWzTRpWnSuKQ1sY1d4AJjJJLq6c97713lNohQRgpAtfYG1rPEagoPdD2chxi73eDTGtMtDC4yBWcPbyPPfEgBWDZ5TqZHYazrhLcfOt8jVxI-NTfRBOGD1SoQSEBijeTTZKS2Ll/s1600/Agni+purana.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="325" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqGPPx_oWzTRpWnSuKQ1sY1d4AJjJJLq6c97713lNohQRgpAtfYG1rPEagoPdD2chxi73eDTGtMtDC4yBWcPbyPPfEgBWDZ5TqZHYazrhLcfOt8jVxI-NTfRBOGD1SoQSEBijeTTZKS2Ll/s400/Agni+purana.jpg" width="260" /></a></div>
<br />
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Agni Purana, translated by Bibek Debroy</h2>
This is the twelfth purana I am reviewing, and this too is a <b>tamasika purana</b>. The Agni Purana was narrated <b>by Agni</b>, the god of fire, to <b>Sage Vashishta</b>, who then narrated it to <b>Rishi Vyasadev</b>. This is how the purana got its name. Unlike most puranas, the Agni purana does not have any parts, or bhagas. It is simply divided into <b>three hundred and eighty-three chapters</b>. The last chapter is considered to be the most interesting chapter as it talks about the <b>Advaita brahmajnana</b>, which teaches the union of the individual human soul (atman) with the brahman, the divine essence. This is very important and interesting because only when the atman and the brahman merge will one experience true bliss. The Agni Purana is an exception as the <b>five characteristics that a Purana should contain are not all there</b>, as the Agni Purana contains more of rituals, practices, omens, astrology, etc. This Purana is <b>eighth </b>in the list of Mahapuranas and contains fifteen and a half thousand shlokas. <br />
<a name='more'></a><h3 style="text-align: left;">
Favourite Stories</h3>
The Agni Purana does not contain many stories but has more of rituals as I mentioned before. The stories in this Purana come towards the start when they talk about the ten different avataras of Lord Vishnu. This is when my first favourite story comes, which is actually the ending of the story of the <b>Kurma avatara</b>. The ending is different and tells you about why a solar and lunar eclipse take place. My second favourite story is about why <b>Gaya </b>is a famous pilgrimage site. Though this is a Tamasika Purana, it does not actually glorify Lord Shiva the most. The rest of the Purana is also wonderful, and I will include a few snippets from the Purana. This Purana was written to help simplify the practices included in the Vedas.<br />
<br />
<b>The Turtle</b>: I will not talk about the whole story as it is pretty much the same as the story of the churning of the ocean that you would have heard of. We all know that the asura <b>Rahu </b>realized Vishnu’s deception, so he adopted the form of <b>Chandra</b>, the moon-god, and received the nectar, but the real Chandra and Surya, the sun-god, noticed it and told Vishnu. Vishnu sliced of Rahu’s head, but as Rahu had already drunk the nectar, he couldn’t be killed. He prayed to Vishnu, and Vishnu granted him a boon. Rahu asked for the boon that would sometimes allow Rahu to swallow Surya and Chandra, as they were the ones that complained about him. We see this is the form of a lunar and solar eclipse. <br />
<br />
<b>Places of Pilgrimage</b>: Gaya is said to be the holiest of all tirthas and let me explain why. Once an asura named <b>Gayasura </b>started to perform Tapasya. His Tapasya was so strong that it started to make the gods suffer. The gods ran to Vishnu and asked him to save them from Gayasura. Vishnu went and granted the asura the boon that he would be the holiest of all tirthas. Once Vishnu granted him that boon, the asura disappeared, but once this happened, the gods thought that Earth was too deserted without him. Vishnu instructed all the gods to go and ask Gayasura that they needed his body for a sacrifice. When the gods asked Gayasura, and as soon as he agreed his head fell off from his body. The gods then proceeded to make the sacrifice on his body, but the body started to shake. This indicated that the sacrifice was being performed wrong. They decided to place a stone on the asura’s body to make sure it was still. All the gods entered the stone along with Vishnu so that the sacrifice would be performed. Gaya is sacred as all the gods including Vishnu are always present at the spot.<br />
<br />
The purana also includes how you can identify if your <b>dream </b>is a good omen or a bad omen. If dream of plants growing on your body, drinking oil or eating bird’s meat, wearing shabby clothes or having a shaved head, they are bad omens. Dreams that contain snakes, palaces, mountains, being dead, someone having his head cut off or that his house is being burnt down is also a good omen. Before going on a journey, if one sees coal, cotton, dried grass, ashes, or a broken vessel, they are bad omens, and good omens are distant noises, full vessels, an elephant, sugarcane or a conch. The Purana tells you the merits of building a temple or idol, and how an idol should look. Like most Puranas, it also includes all the Manvantaras, Narakas and Varnashrama Dharma. The importance of reciting the Gayathri mantra, the rules a good king should follow, which nakshatras are good omens, and which aren’t or when should you perform a specific fast constitutes an important part of this Purana. This Purana is a supplement to the other Puranas by including rituals and Hindu beliefs and customs which do not hold a major part in the other Puranas.<br />
<br />
The Agni Purana is very holy as it gives good health, spreads happiness and ends nightmares. Listening to the recital of the Purana, reading a chapter, or organizing a recital of this Purana brings a lot of Punya that is greater than visiting any pilgrimage center. Your sins will also be forgiven if any of this is followed. Ghosts, enemies and thieves do not visit the house where the Agni Purana is kept. A brahmana who listens to the recital of this Purana becomes learned in the Vedas, a kshatriya who does so becomes the ruler of the world, a Vaishya who follows this becomes rich, and a shudra who listens to the recital acquires good health. <br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://amzn.to/2pQJBkl">Kindle IN</a>, <a href="https://amzn.to/2GD28eC">Kindle US</a><br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="550" src="https://read.amazon.in/kp/card?asin=B01L4NQRJE&preview=inline&linkCode=kpe&ref_=cm_sw_r_kb_dp_idoVAbF0BFHNX&tag=sisterswhoread-21" style="max-width: 100%;" type="text/html" width="336"></iframe><br />
<br />
© 2018, Anvita Agarwal. All rights reserved.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2140389313265762051.post-13445420394034284172018-04-14T23:36:00.001+05:302018-04-14T23:36:08.764+05:30Bhagavata Purana, by Bibek Debroy<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiymkt4R_tGP9Lnv8mwPxfIw40v0ohuld9fvVzCtSwSg-QKG5-FShuZIvqK2iNNSdDs4Y1xxWg2j2C-c1r4PHw94wSubWFmDgT0JLTeARWod6W6WoTGZTBODUiKjssbF8-7Mw17ZexYsgUm/s1600/Bhagavat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="323" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiymkt4R_tGP9Lnv8mwPxfIw40v0ohuld9fvVzCtSwSg-QKG5-FShuZIvqK2iNNSdDs4Y1xxWg2j2C-c1r4PHw94wSubWFmDgT0JLTeARWod6W6WoTGZTBODUiKjssbF8-7Mw17ZexYsgUm/s400/Bhagavat.jpg" width="258" /></a></div>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Bhagavata Purana, by Bibek Debroy</h2>
<div>
This is the tenth purana I am reviewing, and this one is also a <b>Sattvika Purana</b>, as the name suggests. It is placed fifth in the list of <b>Mahapuranas</b> and is considered to be one of the most important ones. The Purana has <b>eighteen thousand couplets </b>and is divided into <b>twelve sections</b>. Each section (<b>skandha</b>) has several chapters. The tenth skandha is the longest, and also the most popular as it contains various stories on Lord Krishna. This Purana, like most Puranas has been narrated to the rishis by <b>Suta</b>, Romaharshana’s son. Romaharshana was a disciple of sage Vedavyasa. This Purana also says that Vishnu had twenty-four incarnations, though it mentions only twenty-two of them.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
Favourite stories</h3>
The Purana starts by talking about the end of the war between the Pandavas and the Kauravas from the Mahabharata. This is how I stumbled upon my first favourite story, which is how <b>Parikshit </b>was called Parikshit, and how he was born. The second story that I enjoyed came up a little later. The part of the Purana that really surprised me was right at the start of the book that talked about Parikshit. They say that Parikshit was not at all scared when he heard the sage’s son curse him. He instead decided to do <b>prayashchitta </b>on the banks of the river Ganga, and asked <b>Shukadev</b>, Vedavyasa’s son to tell him all the good things a dying man would want to hear. This has never been mentioned in the books I have read about Parikshit, so I enjoyed this part.<br />
<br />
Let me move on to my favourite stories.<br />
<b>Ashvatthama’s Punishment</b>: Towards the end of the war between the Pandavas and the Kauravas, we know that Bhima and Duryodhana had a duel with their maces, and that Bhima crushed Duryodhana’s thighs with his mace. This left Duryodhana defeated but not dead. Ashvatthama was not pleased and decided to show his loyalty to Duryodhana. He killed all of Draupadi’s sons in the dead of night and presented the heads to Duryodhana as a gift. Draupadi was now thirsting for revenge, and Arjuna promised to get her Ashvatthama’s head. Arjuna found Ashvatthama and challenged him to a duel. Ashvatthama let loose a <b>brahmashira </b>weapon, and in return Arjuna let loose his own brahmashira weapon. If both the weapon’s clashed, it threatened to burn up the entire world. Arjuna withdrew his weapon, but Ashvatthama didn’t know how to release the weapon but not withdraw it. The weapon was then directed to Uttara’s womb. <b>Uttara </b>was <b>Abhimanyu’s </b>wife, who had perished in the battle. Uttara prayed that Krishna save her unborn son. Krishna entered Uttara’s womb to protect the baby, who was none other than Parikshit. As the baby had been protected by Vishnu, the sages proposed he be named <b>Vishnurata</b>. When Krishna had entered Uttara’s womb, Parikshit had become devoted to Krishna. So, whenever he met anyone, he tested if that person was the one he had met in his mother’s womb. As the word for test is <b>pariksha</b>, he was known as Parikshit. Arjuna captured Ashvatthama and the Pandavas decided not to kill him as he was the son of their guru, Dronacharya. Ashvatthama used to wear a jewel on his head. They cut the jewel off and gave it to Draupadi and let Ashvatthama go. <br />
<br />
<b>Rukmi’s Death</b>: Rukmi was Rukmini’s brother. Rukmini was abducted and married Krishna. Ashamed that he could not fulfill his promise to kill Krishna, he began to live in the city of <b>Bhojakata</b>. Rukmi’s daughter was <b>Rukmavati</b>, who was married to <b>Pradyumna</b>, and his grand-daughter was <b>Rochana </b>was married to <b>Anirudha</b>, Rukmavati and Pradyumna’s son. <b>Balarama</b>, Krishna and other Yadavas came to attend Rochana and Anirudha’s marriage. Balarama was fond of playing dice, so he started playing with Rukmi. Balarama first placed a hundred coins as a bet, but he lost. Deciding not to give up, he staked a thousand gold coins. He lost all that too to Rukmi. Not content, he placed a bet of ten thousand gold coins. Unfortunately, he lost this to Rukmi too. Finally, Balarama staked a lakh of gold coins. This time he won, but Rukmi was not ready to admit that Balarama had won. Balarama got so angry that he killed Rukmi with a club. <br />
<br />
This Purana talks a lot about of the exploits of Lord Krishna, and some of the stories in this Purana varied from the versions of the same story that I have heard about. This Purana is the most sacred of the Puranas. Anyone who is devoted to Lord Vishnu will love this Purana. It is a text that should be studied, heard and thought about with a lot of care. In the month of Bhadra it should be placed on a golden throne and donated. Anyone who does this is sure to acquire everlasting punya.<br />
<br />
<i>This review was first published in <a href="http://www.indictoday.com/" target="_blank">IndicToday</a> on <a href="http://www.indictoday.com/the-friendless-god-2/" target="_blank">April 3, 2018</a>.</i></div>
<br />
<a href="https://amzn.to/2IYWi5A">Kindle</a><br />
<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=sisterswhoread-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B01L465QAC&asins=B01L465QAC&linkId=495bd2e18bb8d88573e4505342064e4b&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><br />
<br />
© 2018, Anvita Agarwal. All rights reserved.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2140389313265762051.post-80486889451341516852018-04-07T23:12:00.000+05:302018-04-14T23:34:40.204+05:30Linga Purana, by Bibek Debroy<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVNMoJtrt40eLNa6vV0moWZGG4O-oEJLH8AYla72xKHw4vr91egYFI7yV4AYDO8pilEn_ezEQoydD9DygrLISybS6oH5x-anyLQCjUA7VQtBdHSdbL69ZaimoGR_ow79GxH0x2g4NLjAU/s1600/LingaPurana.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="346" data-original-width="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVNMoJtrt40eLNa6vV0moWZGG4O-oEJLH8AYla72xKHw4vr91egYFI7yV4AYDO8pilEn_ezEQoydD9DygrLISybS6oH5x-anyLQCjUA7VQtBdHSdbL69ZaimoGR_ow79GxH0x2g4NLjAU/s1600/LingaPurana.jpg" /></a></div>
<h2 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Linga Purana, by Bibek Debroy</h2>
This is the eleventh purana I am reviewing, and it is a <b>Tamasika Purana </b>as I have already reviewed two sattvika puranas in a row. This turns out to be a coincidence as the Linga Purana is <b>eleventh in the list of Mahapuranas </b>and is the second shortest Purana as it has only <b>eleven thousand shlokas</b>! The Linga Purana is divided into two parts - the <b>purva bhaga</b>, which has a hundred and eight chapters, and the <b>uttara bhaga </b>which has fifty-five chapters. The language of the Linga Purana is not that simple to interpret as it is made of long sentences which makes the comprehension difficult. It does not purely consist of rituals as Tamasika Puranas should contain. It includes an assortment of stories that glorify Shiva, and also a few that glorify Vishnu. The rituals in this Purana are barely mentioned, at least in the abridged version of the Purana that I am reviewing. Information on the geography of India, and on the Solar and Lunar dynasties is the same as the Bhagvata Purana with a few minor variations.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
Favourite Stories </h3>
This Purana has a different version of stories that I have read in other Puranas. In this Purana, the stories are altered to glorify Shiva, and in some cases deviates from the original version a lot. One of them is when they talk about the story of <b>Prahalad and Narsimha</b>, which I am going to mention. The second story I am going to mention is about <b>Sage Dadhichi</b>. This story is interesting because I haven’t heard the story of Dadhichi, and how he came to have bones as hard as the vajra. The story of Dadhichi actually tells you about how the tirtha <b>Sthaneshvara </b>was named.<br />
<br />
<b>Dadhichi</b><br />
There once lived a Sage named Dadhichi, who had a friend called <b>Kshupa</b>, who was a king. One day the friends started arguing on which class is better, a brahmana or a kshatriya, each supporting their own class. Once during a war between the gods and the asuras, Indra had given Kshupa his vajra so that Kshupa could help them fight the asuras. The argument got bigger, and they started to fight physically. In anger, Kshupa used the vajra and sliced Dadhichi into two. However, before dying, Dadhichi called upon <b>Shukracharya</b>, the guru of the asuras, to bring him back to life once he was dead, as Shukracharya knew the technique of <b>mrita sanjivani</b>.<br />
Once Dadhichi was resurrected, Shukracharya advised him to pray to Lord Shiva so that Dadhichi could become immortal. Dadhichi complied and started doing difficult tapasya to please Shiva. Shiva was pleased with the tapasya, so he granted Dadhichi the <b>three boons </b>that were asked by him. The first boon was that Dadhichi should become prosperous, the second that his bones should be as hard as the vajra, and the last that Dadhichi should never be killed. Pleased with himself, the sage decided to give his friend Kshupa a visit. They started fighting again, but this time the vajra did not affect Dadhichi. Kshupa was amazed, and he started praying to Vishnu for greater powers, but Vishnu told Kshupa that there was very less he could do as Dadhichi was fortified by Lord Shiva’s boons. He reassured Kshupa with the fact that he would try. He went and told Dadhichi to act scared in front of Kshupa and say that he feared the king. Dadhichi however had no intention of listening to Vishnu. He instead told Kshupa that he had no reason to be scared as he was Lord Shiva’s devotee. Angered by these words, Vishnu hurled his sudarshana chakra to kill Dadhichi, but this did not him. Even after trying to kill Dadhichi with several weapons and with the help of many gods, he failed. On the other hand, Dadhichi pulled a couple of <b>reeds </b>and threw it at the gods. The reeds turned into flaming tridents which threatened to burn up the gods. Vishnu then showed his <b>vishvarupa </b>to Dadhichi, but he laughed and said that he could do the same. Before the fight could get bigger, Brahma advised Vishnu to pray to Dadhichi and Shiva for their forgiveness. This place is known as the <b>Sthaneshvara tirtha</b>. <br />
<br />
<b>Hiranyakashipu and Narasimha</b>:<br />
Hiranyakashipu was an asura who had a brother named <b>Hiranyaksha</b>, who was killed by Vishnu. Hiranyakashipu had a son named <b>Prahalad </b>who was devoted to Vishnu. Prahalad’s thoughts were always fixed on Vishnu. Hiranyakashipu hated Vishnu as Vishnu was the one who killed his brother. Though he tried to dissuade Prahalad from worshipping Vishnu it did not work. Tired, Hiranyakashipu decided to kill Prahalad. His demons used various methods to try killing Prahalad, they did not work. Vishnu took the form of <b>Narasimha </b>(half-lion, half-man), to kill Hiranyakashipu. After doing so, Narasimha threatened to destroy everything. The gods and Brahma fled to Shiva for mercy. Shiva assured the gods that he would do something. From his body, he created another being known as <b>Virabhadra </b>who was nothing more than a form of himself. He instructed Virabhadra to try to convince Vishnu to give up his form, and if that did not work, Virabhadra had to kill Vishnu. When Virabhadra tried to convince Vishnu to give up his form, it did not work. He killed Vishnu. This does not mean that Vishnu was killed. It means that only the Narasimha form of Vishnu was killed. Vishnu merged into Shiva once he was killed and <b>Narasimha’s skin </b>was worn by Shiva, and his skull adorns Shiva’s garland. <br />
<br />
The Linga Purana is extremely sacred. Brahma says that is one reads this Purana, one is forgiven of all their sins. It is better to read this Purana then perform rituals, sacrifices, or donate alms, as a lot more punya is accumulated just by reading this holy Purana.<br />
<div>
<br />
<i>This review was first posted on <a href="http://www.indictoday.com/" target="_blank">IndicToday</a> on <a href="http://www.indictoday.com/linga-purana/" target="_blank">April 9, 2018</a>.</i><br />
<a href="https://amzn.to/2GhbBZo">Kindle US</a>, <a href="https://amzn.to/2uuibX1">Kindle IN</a></div>
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="550" src="https://read.amazon.in/kp/card?asin=B01L4NQS4I&preview=inline&linkCode=kpe&ref_=cm_sw_r_kb_dp_Nk9UAbRM1VFK9&tag=sisterswhoread-21" style="max-width: 100%;" type="text/html" width="336"></iframe><br />
<br />
© 2018, Anvita Agarwal. All rights reserved.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2140389313265762051.post-4004532378279835882018-04-05T22:31:00.002+05:302018-04-05T22:31:26.312+05:30Brahmanda Purana, by Bibek Debroy<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSfhKViM0Mv529zcYKggWJHdmWcuspELnxCB1cLmP_blZfKT77sopKDY48q9G_EdWqIpYPgBk0JtkgLMrgorIU1NuTcyPFez1HsDaNJT6UeNrHEbfKWK2Y5zsZ6CHI-JN6FLUiIkw_xs4/s1600/03016.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="490" data-original-width="326" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSfhKViM0Mv529zcYKggWJHdmWcuspELnxCB1cLmP_blZfKT77sopKDY48q9G_EdWqIpYPgBk0JtkgLMrgorIU1NuTcyPFez1HsDaNJT6UeNrHEbfKWK2Y5zsZ6CHI-JN6FLUiIkw_xs4/s400/03016.png" width="265" /></a></div>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Brahmanda Purana, translated by Bibek Debroy</h2>
This is my last Mahapurana that I have to review and is naturally my last <b>rajasika Purana</b>. This Purana is made up of <b>eighteen thousand shlokas </b>which makes it a medium sized Purana. The Brahmanda Purana is divided into three sections known as the <b>purva bhaga</b>, <b>madhyama bhaga </b>and <b>uttara bhaga</b>. Each bhaga is further divided into subsections known as pada. The purva bhaga has the <b>prakriya pada </b>and <b>anushanga pada</b>, the madhyama bhaga has the <b>upodghata pada </b>and the uttara bhaga has the <b>upasamhara pada</b>. The whole Purana has <b>seventy-one adhyayas </b>(chapters) in all. This Purana has been narrated by <b>Lord Vayu </b>to the sages at <b>Naimisharanya </b>forest after a wonderful yajna took place there. The Brahmanda Purana is a Rajasika Purana in a true sense, as they glorify Brahma more than the rest of the gods and that most of the book talks about creation. The stories in this Purana are minimum, and you will find four to five stories, most of which have already been recited in the other Puranas in greater detail.<br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
Favourite Stories</h3>
<a name='more'></a>As there are very few stories in this Purana, I will only include one story. The story I am including talks about why the Earth is called <b>Vasudhara</b>. The story behind it is fascinating and has not been recounted before in any of the Puranas. The Purana gives a lot of details on the Manus, the different Vedvyasas that came and went, and this is also the only Purana that gives some details about the other places except Bharatvarsha in Jambudvipa. The details mentioned have not been mentioned in any other Mahapurana. There is also a whole chapter on where the different gods live. This too haven’t been mentioned in any other Mahapurana. <br />
<br />
<b>Vasu</b><br />
<div>
Once, the gods were organizing a special horse-sacrifice, and invited many sages to the sacrifice. A lot of animals were sacrificed for the sacrifice and the sages could not bear to see this. They went to the gods and asked them to stop sacrificing so many animals as it was not their dharma. They said that it was a sin. The gods did not agree with what the sages said and slowly both parties started arguing angrily. They decided to go to <b>King Uparichara Vasu </b>as he had learnt the true techniques of yajnas from <b>Uttanpada</b>. King Vasu was a very good friend of Indra, so he sided with Indra on the matter and said that sacrificing so many animals at a sacrifice was permitted. However, the sages felt that the King had lied, so they cursed him that he would have to enter the Earth and then continue to live in the underworld. The only question was that what would King Vasu live off in the underworld. Therefore, the gods said that the clarified butter offered at the sacrifices would be offered to him. Another word for clarified butter is ‘<i>vasu</i>’, and the word for flow is ‘<i>dhara</i>’. King Vasu lives in the underworld and feeds on the flow of clarified butter. Hence, the <b>Earth is known as Vasudhara</b>.<br />
<br />
In none of my earlier reviews have I mentioned the different parts of <b>Jambudvipa</b>, so let me do so in this review. Svayambhuva Manu and his wife <b>Shatarupa </b>had two sons. One was <b>Uttanpada </b>and the other was <b>Priyavrata</b>. In turn, Priyavrata had ten sons. They were <b>Agnidhra, Agnivahu, Medha, Medhatithi, Vasu, Jyotishmana, Dyutimana, Havya, Savana and Putra</b>. He divided the Earth into seven regions and gave seven of his sons one region each. Agnidhra got Jambudvipa. Agnidhra had nine sons. They were <b>Nabhi, Kimpurusha, Hari, Ilavrita, Ramya, Hiranvana, Kuru, Bhadrashva and Ketumala</b>. He divided the Jambudvipa into nine regions and each region was named after the son it was given to. Nabhi’s son was <b>Rishabha</b>, and Rishabha had a son named <b>Bharat</b>. After Bharat, the region ruled by Nabhi was called Bharatvarsha. This Purana is also wondrous and tells you so much about your culture. It makes understanding geography better, as a part of this talks in detail about the geography of the Earth. Lastly, this is a Purana, one of the sacred texts of Hinduism. This yuga being the kali yuga, a single act of kindness is enough to get you a lot of punya, which will take you straight to heaven. <br />
<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=abhinav-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B01L465RAQ&asins=B01L465RAQ&linkId=4f7ceee6ab715c5d4620bb2e2e6ccbd4&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe> <iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-in.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=IN&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=abhisblog-21&marketplace=amazon&region=IN&placement=B01L465RAQ&asins=B01L465RAQ&linkId=b01a568bd4bf11401c3cf1567c6f7c10&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="550" src="https://read.amazon.in/kp/card?asin=B01L465RAQ&preview=inline&linkCode=kpe&ref_=cm_sw_r_kb_dp_r79gAbG9CEW8G&tag=abhisblog-21" style="max-width: 100%;" type="text/html" width="336"></iframe><br />
<br />
© 2018, Anvita Agarwal. All rights reserved.</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0