Saturday, June 25, 2016

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.




Friday, June 24, 2016

Let Things Go





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.


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. 





Thursday, June 23, 2016

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.




Tuesday, June 7, 2016

Promises Left Unsaid





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!





Wednesday, June 1, 2016

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