Book Review: My Last Love Story by Falguni Kothari

I chose this book for two reasons. First, the genre. It is a love story, and romance is my favourite genre. Second, the book has been compared to Me Before You by Jojo Moyes. (This is one book that I immensely liked and is one of my best reads of 2015.)

My Last Love Story by Falguni Kothari tells the story of Simeen Desai, her husband Nirvaan and their best buddy Zayaan.

Simeen and Nirvaan love each other, but Nirvaan is dying. He wants something that Simeen doesn’t. A baby! He wants Zayaan to be the guardian of Simeen and the baby. It stirs bizarre emotions, memories, and discomfort in Simeen's mind.

Why this discomfort? How this decision and discomfort change their lives? You need to read this book to know.

First of all, it is unfair to compare this book with MeBefore You by Jojo Moyes! You would know if you have read MBY.

The cover of the book is soothing, and promises a touching story. The theme is intriguing and different, but the execution of the story didn’t turn out the way I had expected. 

Writing is good but the narration is so plain that at some point it becomes boring.

The pace of the story is painfully slow. I wanted some spark in Nirvaan-Simeen-Zayaan trio, but the moment it started to build, unnecessary details of their extended families disrupted the flow and the feeling. 

Characterisation is good. I particularly liked Zayaan. The author has captured the details very well, and she has expressed the emotions and dilemma of Simeen skillfully.

Reviews of this book are unanimously fabulous. As a reader it somehow confused me.

If you like romance, and particularly enjoy descriptions and details, you may like it. I prefer fast paced stories, so for me, it was an average read, mainly because I had higher expectations.

I got this book for review from BookReviews review Program.

Let Things Go

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Some emotions are so strong that we get stuck, unable to move on. But think, how would you greet a new morning if you are too fond of the last night? How would you travel if you are terribly homesick? Bad examples, maybe, but you got it, right?

Memories are like stars or moon. They are always there, sometimes flashing, sometimes quiescent. It’s not a good idea to make them a small sphere where you get trapped.  Let go of it, and move on. It doesn’t mean that you have completely detached yourself from them.

So, it was about life. Now, something about writing.

My book We Will Meet Again is going to release next month, and I have finally submitted my final edits (No editorial changes would be accepted now), and I am stuck in my manuscript with a deep sense of discontentment. Constantly thinking that it could have better. I could have added this. Could have removed that…and honestly, it makes my confidence and enthusiasm sink.

Then, today I read this post on Write Tribe. Ten Pieces ofAdvice on Writing by Neil Gaiman

It’s obviously useful but point 6 made me thinking.

It says: Remember that, sooner or later, before it ever reaches perfection, you will have to let it go and move on and start to write the next thing. Perfection is like chasing the horizon. Keep moving.

Really, even my publisher Mr. Pulkit Gupta (Author of Life and Promises) said to me that at some point of time I will have to move ahead to the next level of publishing.

Improvement is a constant process that always keeps a room for itself. You tend to find some flaws or scope for improvement every time you go through your work.This tip and thought gave me some solace. Some solace because I’m still not calm. I am eagerly waiting for reader’s reviews. I’ll be happy if they are good. I will see my own writing in a new light if they are not so good. 

Sharing with Friday Reflections @ Write Tribe

Thank you, my writer friends!

These days, I am always thinking about my first book "We Will Meet Again"

It's been a long journey, and tough one (for me). But, I never stopped chasing my dream.

I thought writing was tough; but, I realised that publishing my was tougher. But, I don't mind this as I have learned a lot. And, learning is wonderful, isn't it?

I have finally submitted my manuscript (and it goes for typesetting). Editing is like re-writing, and I have realised that basically a writer writes his/her book several times. Making small changes. Trying to make it better, every single day. Sleepless nights.

Feeling excited and jittery at the same time! 'What if...' running in my mind. And strangely, there's a sense of loss. The feeling that I don't have to interact with my characters anymore makes me sad.

As a writer, it is difficult to judge your own work because you have worked really hard. Those words are precious. Your characters are dear to you. But, when editing, you have to be merciless. You need to detach yourself from those precious words that you have written so fondly.

My book is going to release in July. However, it is up for pre-orders on Pustak Mandi @ flat 30% discount. 

I hope you like my book, We Will Meet Again.

Here I would like to mention some of my writer friends for their invaluable support even before the release of my book. Big thank you to:

Namrata - Privy Trifles (author of Metro Diaries) for being a true friend. For working with me on my blurb. For sharing your insights. I can't thank you enough for those endless odd time chats and shares.

Shuchi Kalra (Author of I Am Big So What), Preethi Venugopala (Author of Without You), Kavita Devgan (Author of Don't Diet), Saru Singhal (One of the most popular and creative bloggers), Harshita Shrivastava (Author of Bad Romance), Sri (author of Frankly Spooking), Shailaja & Shantala for sharing my book cover and links. So kind of you.

Promises Left Unsaid

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Don’t miss me

Don’t say goodbye

Let’s brighten our memories

Let the emotions fly

Stolen glances,

Promises left unsaid

 Longing in your eyes, 

You masked, but I have read

We will meet again, I know

Just think of me

I'll be there,

Whether it's sunshine, or snow

Sharing with Poetry Pantry 

My first novel, We Will Meet Again, will be out next month. Would you like to see the Book Cover and Blurb? Here's the Link! Please share your views. Thank you!

We Will Meet Again: Back Cover Blurb and a Set of Haiku

This is the cover of my first novel (to be released on 1st July, 2016). Read the blurb, and tell me if this set of haiku complements the blurb of my debut book.

Back Cover of We Will Meet Again says

Paridhi Mathur, dusky, beautiful, and single, is doing everything to keep her academic records high and her love life nil, but lady luck keeps frowning at her.

When she meets Abhigyan Ambastha, rich - devastatingly handsome, intense and sometimes curt, her resolve wavers. Despite regular warnings from her ever-suspicious heart, she inexplicably gets attracted towards him. But she would not let him trespass her soul.

Why? Is she scared of mendacious face of love her past has inflicted on her? Can Paridhi really trust Abhigyan? Will a blissful breeze of love ever kiss her heart?

A heart-warming saga of dreams and desires, We Will Meet Again promises to make you smile and cry at the same time. Hold on to your hearts before embarking on this roller coaster ride of emotions!

                                                                 Unveiling the mask

  Of mendacious love, heart
closes its door

Can I have your glint,

  O sparkling morning dew, love

so pure, just like you

Sharing with ABC Wednesday

Cover of my debut novel: We Will Meet Again

Dreams and desires

Ego, doubts, and a stupid bet

Bitter-sweet love-tale

A tale of love and loss; of believing in love,  embellished with various shades of emotions, and flavours of humour and repartee.

Will you join me in this joyous journey?

Unveiling the cover of my first book (Ah, my first book! Such a long journey it was! As a writer, I grew with this book. As I proceeded with my dream, so many things/emotions were left behind. And, I know I have a long way to go!)

I hope you like the cover. Thank you Gargi Publishers & Amol Karambe for such a lovely cover!

What do you think about the cover and the blurb? Would you mind sharing your views with me?



Sharing with Haiku My Heart
                      Poets United

Book Review: Before We Visit The Goddess by Chitra Divakaruni

The book opens with this thoughtful quotation from Manusmriti:

Yatra naaryasto poojyantay, ramantay tatra devata (Where women are honored, there the gods are pleased.)

Mythology came as a pleasant surprise while I was experimenting with different genres. It was wonderful to read The Palace Of Illusions by Chitra Divakaruni (My review). So, when I got a chance to read & review her latest release Before WeVisit The Goddess, there was no second thought, just an excitement to read her new book! I truly thank Ms. Bharti Taneja from Simon & Schuster India for the review copy.

Before We Visit The Goddess by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni covers a long time span, telling intriguing stories of women of three generation. It basically talks about mother-daughter relationship, and how it could be complex, sometimes.

Sabitri, the mother, is a strong, ambitious woman, and wants to achieve big even though she knows it would be tough. Bela, the daughter, is somehow a selfish woman, and is ready to leave everything for her love of life. Just, they don’t know if chasing their dreams would lead them to the path of happiness. Tara, the granddaughter, is a carefree girl who carries an eccentric secret of her own personality.

The book opens beautifully when Sabitri struggles to write a letter to her granddaughter Tara whom she has never met (though she yearned to), and thinks how good daughters are fortunate lamps (as told by her mother, Durga, a sweet maker.)

The story swings between past and present, and the author has done it skilfully. Ms Divakaruni’s writing has a certain charm, and I feel connected to it. The language is poetic, beautiful as ever. I have known Bengali culture closely, so I could relate to the settings. 

Characterization is nice. Here, Sabitri is a clear winner. I loved Sabitri's passion and innovation when she experimented with different recipes. I feel that Tara’s character is under-developed. I liked the character of Mrs. Mehta (the old and lively woman), but, I was disappointed as she disappeared just like that.

Initial chapters are cleverly crafted. Little secrets unfurl slowly that keep you hooked. The story is engrossing, and words move softly and smoothly, but then, multiple points of view start to distract me. The point of view moves from third person to first person, from past tense to present tense; In short, there is no order of point of view and tense.

Few things, peculiar, are left open ended, unexplained while I wanted to know more about them rather than churning my own imagination. I liked the end when Tara finally gets to know her grandma, Sabitri, through her letters where she teaches the gist of Fortunate Lamps.

For me, Before We Visit The Goddess was an intriguing read. Just, it was a tad confusing (after a certain point). As a reader, and writer, I feel that reading Ms. Divakaruni’s work is like studying a Good piece of literature. So, if you are a book lover (especially, Ms. Chitra Divakaruni lover), you can’t miss this book.

Vista, so mesmerizing!

Nature walks along,

Cascading like poetry

Swaying, lush greenery

As if dancing in the arms of breeze

Tingling touch of love

Mountains, high and snowy

Dispersing warmth of golden sunshine

Thick cottony clusters of cloud

Can be embraced, it seems

Heart flutters to witness

Vista, so mesmerizing!

Sharing with: ABC Wednesday

                Poets United

In Conversation with Kavita Devgan

Recently, I read "Don't Diet: 50 Habits of Thin People by Kavita Devgan, my first diet and fitness book. I quite liked reading it. It was informative, enlightening and interesting (NOT preachy). You can read my review Here (4 Reasons Don't Diet by Kavita Devgan Will Keep You Motivated for Weight Loss)

It is so good to connect with the author! Here, I am in Conversation with Kavita Devgan. Read on as she answers your diet and fitness queries.

Welcome to my blog. Please tell us something about you.

I am a writer and nutritionist, and weight management and prevention of ill-health is where my interest lies mainly. My columns, my practice and talks and my now my book (hopefully more soon) is how I express my ideas.

What prompted you to write “Don’t Diet…”?

Well, I was itching to share the practical lessons - of what works and what doesn’t for weight loss that I had learnt during my years of practice and compulsive reading and writing about health - with a wider audience, and a book format seemed perfect for it. That’s why!

Your book “Don’t Diet” lists 50 habits of thin people. What are the top/best two habits that will help you stay thin or lose weight?

Difficult to choose as I believe all help, but if I have to then I’ll choose then I’ll pick one from each section is the book: Mind: Retrain your brain (chapter 6); Food: Moderation works (chapter 12); Lifestyle: Make fitness fun (chapter 41).

What’s the biggest diet mistake people often make in their daily lives?

Skipping breakfast as that puts you on a back foot right from the beginning of the day. Eating breakfast is and should be non negotiable.

What is the biggest challenge of being a diet consultant?

Keeping the motivation level up and interest alive in those who wish to but don’t have the patience to see a program through, specially in times of weight loss plateaus, which do happen regularly.

Having a flat tummy is the biggest concern when it comes to weight loss. Your best advice for reducing abdominal fat?

While food is an important aspect to control, but very often I see that that a person’s weight is fine but the belly still bulges. In those cases culprit may be stress fat. When we are stressed cortisol (stress hormone), a powerful appetite trigger is released in the body; this leads to excess eating and thus fat deposits that gravitate to one area of the body - the waistline. So for the sake of your waist learn to calm down. It is very important not to have excess weight around your abdomen area as that fat can be most detrimental for health.

Water is elixir of good health. But how much is too much?

Oh yes without enough water you are bound to end up with a diseased, over weight body. let your body guide you about how much water it needs, but if you want a safe, average figure target a minimum of 8 glasses a day, about 2 litres. some people might need more depending on their activity levels, season (hot, humid), body weight etc.

Any myth/myth buster regarding calories?

I’d rather we don’t get obsessed with calorie counting, instead focus our energy and attention on our nutrient intake. If we eat mindfully, and stick to the basic principal of everything in moderation the calories will just take care of themselves.

Are you planning to write your next book? Would you like to share something about it?

Still toying with a few ideas, writing minus a plan actually these days… lets see which idea takes shape first. Will keep you posted.

It’s wonderful to have you here, on my blog, Kavita. Thanks, and I wish you all the very best!