Book Review: Rightfully Wrong Wrongfully Right by Varsha Dixit

My first book by Varsha Dixit was Xcess Baggage, and I really liked it! And, I'm waiting for the sequel.

Rightfully Wrong, Wrongfully Right (Rupa Publications) is the third (and probably the last) book in the 'Right-Wrong' series. I haven't read the first book in the series, but I've the second one, 'Wrong Means, Right End', and since I have read this book, Rightfully Wrong...' made sense as I understood the characters. This book can be read as a standalone book, but better if read after reading at least the second book of this series.

Rightfully Wrong, Wrongfully Right is about Gayatri, a rich spoiled, guilt-ridden diva and Viraj, a reserved, mad scientist. Certain circumstances in Gayatri's life make her meet and work with Viraj who works for Nikhil, and has a very difficult and bitter past. They don't start on a pleasant note, but as they get to know each other, their feelings change.

So, what would be the destination of this changed feelings of two entirely different people? What are those situations that bring them close? You will have to read the book to find the answer.

The book starts off well. I liked the character of Sneha (Better than the last book where she was the protagonist) and her bond with her husband, Nikhil, and best friend, Nandini (She was the protagonist in the first book of this series). I liked the way their relationship with Gayatri (Which was not good in the last book) develops. The way they encourage her.

'Everyone has more downs than ups. All it takes is one big successful up and all the downs are ancient history.'

The little twist about cupcakes was nice, and it made me smile! 

But, I didn't understand the character of Viraj. Showing him weird in just one scene doesn't make him mad. This needed to reflect, but it doesn't especially when the book opens with his introduction. His character and his chemistry (and the development of his relationship) with Gayatri lack depth. However, the backstory of Viraj is nicely done and seems convincing.

Considering that this book is author's fifth book, the writing is not as crisp as it was supposed to be. There are unnecessary descriptions and dialogues that don't advance the story. The chapters have names but, they are mostly meaningless. There are several editing glitches, which is disappointing as this comes from a big brand like Rupa Publications.

Overall, for me, it was an okay read. If you like Varsha Dixit's writing, if you like love stories, and if you have read the other books in this series, then you should read this book. It can be a nice travel partner.


I received this book from the publisher for an unbiased review.

जेब में लिए फिरते थे ज़िन्दगी...

इमेज लिंक 

याद है अब भी वो 

बचपन की बेफिक्र दुनिया 

छोटी सी ज़िद और ढेरों खुशियां 

दौड़ते-भागते, खबर थी क्या -

कि वक़्त कुछ यूं दौड़ेगा, ज़िन्दगी कुछ यूं मुड़ेगी 

कि उम्र को पछाड़ 

तज़ुर्बा आगे - मीलों आगे होगा 

अब सोचते है...

जेब में लिए फिरते थे ज़िन्दगी 

 आलम ये है कि अब दिखाई भी नहीं देती. 

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Hello 2017! Resolutions? Well...

Hello! First of all, I wish you a very happy, serene and successful New Year!

I don't believe in luck, and 2017 started on a very familiar note - that I can never get lucky. No good things arrive on time. They pop in when they are insignificant. Thank you very much! I'm not surprised. Definitely not shattered.

Okay, now let's talk about New Year Resolutions. 

I found this amusing image on Kindle Facebook Page. Amusing, yes, but for me it's true. I never make any New Year resolution. I know I am going to fail if I bind myself to a long term strict resolutions. I believe in creating small, short term (sometimes, one day short) and realistic goals. And, for that, I don't wait for New Year. It works better for me. They are more achievable; hence makes you feel good and encourage you to do more.

I believe if you try to banish something completely, it makes you tired and restless. You keep thinking about that. So, instead of 'Do- Don't Do', I have made 'More This - Less That' list.

Weight loss is a Universal issue, and for me it's perpetual. I can't diet. I can't exercise regularly. So, I will choose something that's more achievable, less tiring. So, for my health and fitness, I have decided to drink More Water and eat Less sugar. Less Sitting, More Standing/Walking. Use More Colorful, Less White foods in our diet.

Writing is something I love, but these days I have found myself just procrastinating (It's a phase when I Don't Feel Like Writing. But I try to make this phase a little productive. You can read this post - 4 Productive Things To Do When You Don't Feel Like Writing). So, this year, it will be More Writing, Less Procrastination. I will write (and send out) queries. Will try to shape up those vague, disturbing ideas whirling in my always occupied mind.

Saw someone's update on Goodreads who read 500 books in 2016. I was like !!! How? I like to keep my reading goal small so that I can achieve it successfully, better if I surpass. Last year, my reading goal was 30 books. I read 34. Satisfying, however, my reading goal for 2017 is 36 books.

I am a borderline internet addict. Sometimes, it annoys me as I know it robs my time, but I can't resist. I have uninstalled all the apps from my mobile, but then there's Google Chrome, and guess what? I can always surf the Net - open whatever social media platform I want to. Now, I can't uninstall Google Chrome. I switch the Wi-Fi off after every usage, but then it's not difficult to switch it on. But, I have decided to be more determined this year. So, this year, it would be More Reading (Books), Less Internet Activity/Online Availability.

There is a thing that I can't achieve no matter how hard I try. Getting up early in the morning. With a doubtful heart, I hope it would be Less Late Nights, More Early Mornings.

Let's see how it goes. Do you believe in this "More This - Less That' concept? Or you make New Year Resolutions? What's your resolutions for 2017?


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Book Review: Switch E Roo by Kiran Manral

Let's visualize a scene: A woman wakes up after a long nap, and sees herself in the mirror. Her reflection in the mirror makes her shudder! Why? Because it's not her reflection. She finds a stranger there. Her face remains the same but her body...her body is someone else's.

How would she feel? How would she react? How could this happen? And, how could she get her body back? Would she get it back ever!?

Switch E Roo by Kiran Manral (Juggernaut Books) is all about that. It has a strange plot that tells the story of Mrs. Dimple Bhalla who suddenly finds that someone has stolen her body - just body - and replaced with another.

I love reading paranormal stories (not necessarily horror) as they are different from normal, usually gripping and makes me think.

Switch E Roo is a short story so very quick to read - with a totally unexpected end. Since the plot is different and intriguing, it piques your curiosity instantly and makes an engrossing read.

Ms. Kiran Manral is an experienced novelist, so writing is naturally neat. She has expressed Mrs. Bhalla's panic, restlessness and carefulness (to hide this strange change) well.

If you like short stories, if you like intriguing, unique tales, read this one. You won't be disappointed. And, it costs you just Rs. 10. You can read it on this cool Juggernaut App (on your phone).

Book Review: The Rise of Hastinapur by Sharath Komarraju

The best thing about a good mythological fiction is that you know the basic story, still it engages you. Lesser known facts play vital role in making such stories more interesting. It's like you know the destination, but it's the journey - execution - that makes it more exciting.

In The Rise of Hastinapur, the author, Sharath Komarraju, has used his imagination very creatively to introduce several lesser known stories. It's about three significant women characters of Mahabharata - Amba, Pritha aka Kunti and Gandhari - three women who are important pillars of this epic mythological fiction, Mahabharata.

Amba lives for revenge but circumstances and different men disappoint her. Pritha is determined to save his brother Vasudev, and his wife Devaki who are imprisoned in Mathura. Gandhari has to make a tough decision - to save her kingdom but it's her burning revenge that provokes her to make this decision.

And, then there is Bheeshma who is the common string between these three women, and seems to make difficult, sometimes unintentional unfair decisions.

'If happiness indeed lies in the things that you have, what happens when so much is taken away from you that you have nothing?' 

First section is about Amba. And, it's my favourite. It's intriguing, bold and skillfully sketched section. Amba's only hope is her unborn son, but she gives birth to a daughter. And, her disappointment, anger and anguish, her feelings of revenge is so brilliantly expressed. The fight between Bheeshma and Parshuram was exciting.

Pritha's story is about her endeavour and determination to save her brother and about her unexpected encounter with Surya (Sun), father of her first son, Karna. I really liked her meeting with Surya, and the realization is beautifully done. But, there's another angle in this section - Devaki's angle that I didn't enjoy much.

"Everything he did, every strategy he implemented for us, he did with the aim of bettering Hastinapur's chances of winning. He was fighting for them, Shakuni, from our side."

Gandhari's section was the one I was most interested in. But, the first half of this story was not that exciting I expected it to be, however the second half is very good.

The book ends on an interesting note - the Ganga's conversation with Kuber where she talks about the future of Hastinapur (silently and sadly, the future of Bheeshma). Bheeshma is one of my favourite characters. I think he (and Karna) is the most selfless characters of Mahabharata, however in this book he has some grey shades. 

Overall, The Rise of Hastinapur was an unusual, bold and interesting read. If you like reading mythology, you should read this book. You won't be disappointed. 

This book was in my reading list (I haven't read the first part in this series). I truly thank the author for giving me a review copy!

7 Reasons You May Not Succeed As a Writer

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You love writing. You dream to be a published writer. You dream of seeing your name in reputed newspapers and magazines. Or to become a best-selling author, expecting a handsome cash flow in your account. You work hard but get only rejections. You get depressed and start thinking that you can’t make it. A question keeps creeping in your mind – why? What went wrong?

Here are some reasons or reminders! 

Read the full article on Writer's Melon.

You may find it helpful if you are a new writer (Like me)! It's based on my personal experiences. I am still learning.

Silhouettes of the dusk

I know it's not that good, but find it okay as I painted after a long time (and was actually expecting a disaster!).

Dimness of the dusk

Silhouettes of gloom, golden rays

Sneak in silently

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Book Review: The Four Patriots by Sumit Agarwal

I received The Four Patriots by Sumit Agarwal (Rupa Publications) from Writer's Melon for review. I knew it would be a different read...different in a good way.

This book is for those who think 'Iss Desh Ka Kuchh Nahin Ho Sakta!' and for those who think 'There is hope and India can rise if good people join the Indian politics.' So, basically, it's for every Indian. This book pictures the developed, modern India that any Indian would enjoy to envision.

The book is about four patriots, vehement youngsters, Raghav, Aditya, Varun and Salman, who tend to think differently. Hailing from different backgrounds, they have similar vision and dream - dream to see India Rise powerfully! They decide to walk together to fulfill this dream, but the journey is full of hurdles.

The book portrays that journey of growth and hurdles nicely. It follows a very thoughtful objective - "We don't need more systems, we need the right people in the existing system." (from the book).

The story opens in 2006 and ends (or maybe begins actually) in 2022 as it talks about the beautiful future of India. However, I felt the end was a little unconvincing.

"Be evil to some if you have to, for the greater good.' This is the philosophy of Raghav, my favourite character. Talking about the characters - the author has sketched the characters really well. They seem energetic and believable except Salman's character. This character seemed underdeveloped.

The incidents are well-thought and smartly placed. I liked the cover, and I can (almost) recognize the characters. But, one thing bothered me. Why didn't author use a female patriot as a main protagonist? It would have been really interesting! There are women - interesting women but they are secondary characters.

There is a lovely touch of romance too. In fact, the love life of the four patriots sows the seeds of revolution and determination. I really liked these little love stories as they make the read light, relieve tension, and the author brings out these tales at the right time.

Overall, it's a well-researched book, full of optimism and ideas. Very thoughtful and innovative, I would say. Every Indian should read this book.

You can buy this book HERE

Dangling desires...

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Dangling desires,

Seek assurance; here comes

The flushed streak of hope!

Crimson hue of bliss,

A piece of peace, faraway...

yearnings unfulfilled.

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   Verses

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P.S.: If you like my writing, if you like mature yet delightful love stories, if you like relatable characters and convincing situations, you will like my book, We Will Meet Again. 

You can buy my book my book from Amazon India  Amazon.com  Amazon UK. It's free for Kindle Unlimited users! 

If you like paperbacks, you can get it here @ a fab discount: