I’m Heartless … A Real Confession - Book Review 2

Title: I’m Heartless … A Real Confession

Author: Vinit K. Bansal

ISBN: 978-81-83520-96-6

Publisher: Mahaveer Publishers

Genre: Fiction/ Romance

Pages:186

Rating: 3.25/5

My Review

“Am I really a heartless person, a shameless creature, a selfish man?, the main protagonist, Viren asks himself … when his life is torn apart to smithereens.
He toyed with the unconditional love that Manasi, his best friend had for him. It was she who was his constant companion, sharing in his laughs and happiness and lent her shoulder to lean on, in his sorrow. Even when he revealed to Manasi about his unrequited love for his Pari, and despite being stabbed in her heart, Manasi’s undying adoration for Viren remained steadfast as she always wanted to see him happy and his joy meant the world to her.

While he stayed unmoved with his crazy, one-sided love with his Pari, she kept him on tenterhooks for an answer for a year-and-a-half, a time wherein she spent fun-filled Sundays with him as he continued to despair for an affirmative to his proposal.

As the narrator, who is also the protagonist tells us, it is not people who are always wrong; at times it is the circumstances that force them to act in a manner that they do.

So was really Viren at fault? Perhaps fate would not have played cruel with Viren and the heartless trait in him would not have come to the fore. One can also not forget how Manasi played a significant role in bringing Viren out of depression after his dreams of a future with his Pari came crashing down to earth. Through the dark phase, she was by his side with her presence and spirit. And what did he do in return? He coerced her to come to Delhi where he moved, on the pretext to spend quality time with him. While the naïve, sweet lass sacrificed her education and career for her beloved, animal instincts grew on him and he played with her innocent, selfless love for him when she thought he was giving love a second chance. Not just that he also had a sexcapade with another girl when on a visit to Chandigarh.

I would like to ask the readers here, ‘when your heart cries for the one you love but does not reciprocate your feelings but your brain favours the one who loves you from the depths of her/his heart, what choice would you make? Like the central character, who made a life-destroying, wrong choice, many of us perhaps would too. Herein, lays hidden the message of the author. I felt a glimpse of myself mainly through the protagonist in the novel.

But all is not bad that we see in Viren. One cannot forget his role played along with his University friends in helping two love-birds to escape to freedom away from the clutches which had them caged.

The novel starts with the prologue of a recuperating Viren in a hospital from a suicidal attempt and promises to take the reader on an emotional journey set against the backdrop of the of the Kurukshetra University. The poem, on the Pari, the protagonist dreams of as a child who he finds later in his life is surely very captivating. In between, we discover ego clashes, envy, contempt, betrayal and guilt which douse the true embodiment of love to the passage where we reach the final chapter, where the protagonist, pours out his heart to Manasi in a confession. The closing pages make for a real heart-rending read and even the emotionally strong readers will surely feel the pain and anguish that the author may have felt when writing his story.

The author has to be lauded for the plot which has substance and carries a really strong and touching message. But coming to its drawbacks, there have been unnecessary efforts for explanations, black bindi (dot) and hot chicks (girls), to cite examples. While the writing may seem amateurish, there have been instances where spellings and punctuations have been found wanting. Bombastic words have also been used superfluously. 

About The Author

Vinit K. Bansal, born in Tohana (Haryana), is fond of reading, writing and composing stories since childhood. He earned his Masters degree from Kurukshetra University and was bestowed awards both at college and university level. He continues to nurture his dream of writing till today and has succeeded in giving shape to his thoughts in this book. As a voracious reader and an avid writer, his vision extends to the realm of social service too. In his own words, “I derive inspiration from India's former President, Prof. APJ Abdul Kalam.” At present, he is working with the State Bank of India in Delhi and loves to pen down his thoughts whenever he finds time.

You can get in touch with him at: vini14jan@gmail.com or find him on facebook and twitter.

Website: www.iamheartless.in

You may follow the author on Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/vini14jan (profile)

http://www.facebook.com/iamheartless1 (fan page)

I’m Heartless … A Real Confession is available at:

http://www.flipkart.com/am-heartless-8183520960/p/itmd68vjgs7dua4t?pid=9788183520966&ref=eeff1299-8b69-4bd0-bd62-5ecf794b55b4 (flipkart)

Preeti Singh - Author Interview 1

Preeti Singh: Watch your actions because Karma does return

As a typical 10 or 11 year-old of her time, she started reading mysteries as Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys. As she grew older, she graduated to reading crime novels of Agatha Christie and Sherlock Holmes, the mysteries and romance Sidney Sheldon created, the medical-related psycho thrillers of Robin Cook, and the occasional Mills & Boons, while in college. But all this changed, once she got married and got busy with her marital life. Suspense stories always having excited her, and in time it was on an inspired decision that she took to writing her first crime thriller.

The forty-years-young, cherubic and affable first-time author, Preeti Singh, Chandigarh announced her baby, ‘Flirting With Fate’ at an exciting launch at CII Building, Sec 31, Chandigarh on Saturday, 14^th July. In her very first interview with Basil Sylvester Pinto, the debutant author, excited and a little nervous, opens up her heart on her transition from a writer to an author. Read on …

1)      Tell us something about yourself and your background.

I am an epileptic by birth who married an army officer and who is now a proud mom of a15 year old daughter. I made my name in the tricity of Chandigarh with my website www.writingnaturally.com and then wanted  to do something outstanding with a debut book to nullify people’s doubts in me if I can sustain myself on my own with my many ill health problems. This book is a challenge to my self than anyone else.

2)   There is this perception among the readers that debutant novelists come up with inspired stories. How true does this notion hold with you?

Well…I would not disagree with that. I  dunno about other novelists, but I was inspired by people who did not believe in me---who ridiculed me and jibed me that I cannot do it That push was enough to ignite the fire in me to prove myself. Moreover, I always believe in KARMA RETURNING. I was not born a saint. Like all, in youth, I also must have done plenty wrong. So kind of feel my ill health is my karma returning. Also the good people in my life are my good karma coming back. Maybe, this inspired me

3)   Coming to the title of your debut novel ‘Flirting With Fate,’ can you tell us how you came up with such an interesting name?

Well…the word FLIRTING I felt will click with the youth and FATE with the elderly, as I am targeting all age groups in this book. Though its based in the 80s devoid of laptops and mobiles, I felt maybe kids of today will be intrigued how their parents survived without the net, FB and mobiles. Also I wanted to write something different than chick-lit love stories with dirty slangs…

4)      How can your readers relate to the characters in your debut novel?

I would not call my book—A BOOK. It’s a journey—a novel of family and friends who are intertwined as they connected in my life. Most characters are with real names with real people in my life. You can say gratitude or the special bonds I share with them earned their place in the book. Whether it was my daughter’s friends or mine…all are there in some role or the other. Having said that, the scenes and murders are purely fictional. I kind of just wanted my dear ones to feel special by giving them all tiny roles...you can find a girl of 16 and a woman of 45 or a young sexy lady of 22 also in the book. Readers can connect because I have expressed feelings, desires, fears, love, lust which we all undergo—we all face but often cannot express. So when a reader goes through that, they will connect. Like after the book release, I met someone who said he had a brief fling with his school teacher. She was in her thirties and he was 15. It suddenly connected because it happens in my book too. In such ways I think people can relate to my book—hopefully…

5)    You recently had your debut book launch in Chandigarh. What has been the response like?

AWESOME is the word. On the first day itself I sold about 120 books out of 200 sent to me by the publisher. I had hired a PR agency, so about 18 newspapers of Punjab covered me—u can find the link here
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150923777730563.403207.625805562&type=3
I never expected drivers, mechanics whom I have been daily dealing with, calling me to see my photo in the papers. I felt like a celeb. People have been wanting to come home and take a signed copy. The book stores at Chandigarh have ordered the book as people who are not net savvy and cannot order online want to pick up from the stores ASAP…it feels awesome –truly…

The debutant author at the launch of her crime thriller

At the launch with her literary-bent friends

6)      How does the new-found tag of an author make you feel?

Simply ecstatic. The promotion from a WRITER to an AUTHOR took me time. It was tough but not impossible. My daughter’s image has improved in school and suddenly people who had ignored me want to be connected with me---calling me—it feels awesome. Cannot explain—still in the euphoria…

7)   With your growing fan following, can you tell us one such anecdote with one of your readers which is both heartening and amusing...?

Well no large fan following yet, as people are still reading the book. But I must say, the book was only sold in the launch hall and not yet out in the market or Flipkart and jealous rivals posted reviews on Flipkart how bad the book was. I complained to Flipkart how they can post when the book has not been read yet? Just shows maybe the book is already a threat to someone. It was really amusing to see how people are crazy to pull you down.

But yes, people are giving a feedback about the book. Midway through reading it, friends are calling me. They love the doggies role—the dog in the book is FLUFFY who talks and expresses his thoughts. So people who are dog lovers are able to connect with him…that felt good…

8)   Did you face any difficulties in getting your manuscript approved, given the literary scenario which mainly sustains itself on Romantic Fiction reads?

Yes I did. I would not like to take names but some publishers asked me to write sensational love hot scenes. I refused, and hence they rejected me. Also many said it’s the 80s theme, so youth will not like it. Also love stories are wanted, not crime thrillers. But Mahaveer accepted me as mine was the first crime thriller from Chandigarh and they wanted to take a change from chick lit love stories…

9)   Erotica and Fantasy are genres which have not really been explored by Indian authors. Do we see you, in eventuality; look at these largely untouched genres as a writer?

I really dunno…time will tell…also a feedback from readers will decide my Fate J

10)  What kind of books do you read?

As a young girl, I would love reading crime fiction…murders and thrillers. So this book came by as a fun filled journey and I wanted to unveil the crime detective in me through my book. But now I prefer to read self help books---spiritual books which help me grow as an individual…

11)  On your leisure pursuits …

I love listening to music...watching TV – movies and of course, shopping---like any other woman …

12)  How would you view the literary scene in the country?

There is a shift. People are now open to reading more and more. They are grabbing books – judging authors and publishers. A shift is happening---people prefer reading books than being on the internet. I feel Chetan Bhagat should be given credit for this.

13)  To the aspiring authors, what would be your advice?

Write from your heart and surrender to the publishers—BUT only after editing your works well enough so it can be published effortlessly …

14)  Your message to the readers …

            Just my message---watch your actions because Karma does return…

'Flirting With Fate' is available online at:

http://www.dialabook.in/books/flirting-with-fate-_1_28170.html (dialabook)

http://www.infibeam.com/Books/flirting-with-fate-preeti-singh/9788183520324.html?utm_term=flirting+with+fate_1_1  (infibeam)

http://www.flipkart.com/flirting-fate-8183520324/p/itmdbfg3sc3ywurz?pid=9788183520324&ref=1756c233-eb69-461e-b6c2-633fb328594b#read-reviews (flipkart)

Her fans and bookaholics can reach her on Facebook at:

https://www.facebook.com/bornfree71 (profile)

https://www.facebook.com/pages/-Preetis-Potpourri-/213418102085514?ref=hl (fan page)

Anything Else - Book Trailer 1

Title: Anything Else

Author: Aakash Deep

Publisher: Mahaveer

ISBN: Not Yet

Genre: Romance/Youth Fiction

Pages: 230

Release Date: Tentatively, August 2012

Synopsis

He believes “Everything is uncomfortable for the first time: School, Smoking or Sex”. Like any undecided, impatient and impulsive teenager, he has fun, friends and an eventful life. His life follows Murphy’s law: Anything that can go wrong, goes wrong. His life is enviable because he is happy with his life, satisfied. His social circle is large enough to make his cell phone chime all the day.

She is the simple-stupid-silly-romantic girl. The flamboyant diva. The girl who believes in him and loves him unconditionally.

Meet Sashwat and Swadha, the hottest couple in the school.  Their story is one of the most entertaining High school love stories.

Welcome to his world full of booze, bikes, babes, tea stalls, accidents, street fights, first-day-first-show-movies and unconditional love. Witness him rediscover himself and his true love.

How does Sashwat's life take an ugly turn? Does he fall, collide or escape the accident? En route all events, Sashwat loses Swadha. For good. Does he get her back or a cruel end awaits them?

An excessively humorous joyride of small town hostel life, passionate, youthful teenage: success, failure, trials and unseen facets of the high school life. Take the ride. But always wear a helmet ;-)

My View


Going by the Trailer and the Synopsis, it has all the makings to be a very popular read among the teeny-boppers and a must-have on their book-shelves. Such things do occur during adolescence and when teens face peer pressure.

About The Author-to-be

It has been eighteen years since his birth on an ominous and stormy night that Aakash has been burdening the earth. Those who know him closely associate him with all sorts of uninteresting and dull things in life. He pretends to be a good musician and is expert at posing with a Guitar or a Violin.

Apart from irritating all people, he likes to stay quiet in his room listening to Mohit Chauhan. He takes pride to be a congenital introvert.

He celebrates all the mails that he receives (he receives only matrimonials) and believes that he can make people smile.

He can be contacted at smartakashdeep@gmail.com

He also has a working Facebook account http://www.facebook.com/TheAakashDeep

and adds all strangers.

He writes accidentally tragic stories at his blog http://aakashvaani.blogspot.com

You may like the official page for the novel here: http://facebook.com/oops.loveyou

Kindly Note

From the trailer to all the other information on this post, barring 'My View', of course,  is provided, courtesy the author to-be. 

AUTUMN IN MY HEART - Book Review 1

Title: Autumn in My Heart

Author: Saptarshi Basu

ISBN: 978-93-80828-54-1

Publisher: Vitasta

Genre: Chick-lit

Pages:172

Rating: 2.5/5

My Review

The novel, Autumn in My Heart is authored by Saptarshi Basu which is set in the metro where creative juices are said to flow like the Hooghly River, under the famous Howrah Bridge.

Incidentally his second novel, after Love {LOGIC} & The God's Algorithm, Saptarshi's Autumn in My Heart is not just another chick-lit novel.  The enchanting imagery used to describe Kolkata, the cultural capital of India on which the novel is centered on will make the reader crave to visit the city.

The story revolves around Debyojyoti Sen (Deb) who has a fresh lease of life after the betrayal of his first love, and a subsequent attempt to end his life. In time, his life takes for the pinketh when he meets a girl online and gets friendly with her. Deb is a paradigm of a casanova. And he makes his move on a girl like a waft of breeze - smoothly and innocently. His tryst at getting physical in the initial date itself with girls’ shows his wanton nature. But the player that he is, his charm and a simplicity that he exudes does not really let him down. The other major character in the story, Avantika has her primary objective on being financially independent and wants to secure a career in the banking industry. But her mother is hell-bent on getting her married immediately to someone she is not keen on despite the fact the boy comes from a respectable family. 

Deb, as a womanizer, scores high, but at work is quite a shirker and finds ways to get out of the mess with his superior each time.

The novel also touches on gay tendencies which takes an unexpected twist towards the end and will leave the readers gasping in surprise. The truth prevails and hidden secrets are revealed when Deb goes on a short vacation to Kalimpong along with his colleagues. The visit to the Bhutanese Monastery and Dissertation of Guru Lama gives a whole new meaning and purpose to the lives of the characters of Deb, Saurav, Tina, Vinod and Sagarika, and in cause-effect to that of Avantika and Sujay as well. The Buddhist teachings are not only enlightening to the characters on their Monastery visit, but will also have the same impact on the discerning reader.

On the flip side, the novel is plagued by editorial mistakes which seriously need a rectification at the time of a re-print. I would not blame the author really for this, but the proof-reader/s of the publishing house - Vitasta who have shown negligence on their part when it comes to the manuscript. If I were to question the author, it would be on his penchant for the word 'rebuke' and the use of profanities once too often, and if that be the case why oft and then the expletives are riddled with a few asterisks. More importantly, the novel is interlaced   with a few stories thrown in which moves back and forth in time and jumps from one to another that leaves the reader with a challenge to grasp onto the plot as it thickens. The chapters could be presented in a better way.

About The Author

A Gold Medallist in Mechanical Engineering, Saptarshi Basu has worked with top IT MNCs in India. He has subsequently lived in London, Toronto, Dubai and San Francisco before moving back to his native place, Kolkata. A prolific blogger and an avid traveller, he has been into written for long, having published his poems and stories in different magazines of his earlier organizations.

You may follow the author on Facebook: 

http://www.facebook.com/saptarshi.basu1981 (profile)

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Saptarshi-Basu/125960567519916 (fan page)

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Autumn-in-My-Heart/251288681550080 (book page)


Autumn in My Heart is available at:

http://www.flipkart.com/autumn-my-heart-saptarshi-basu-9380828543/p/itmd4znphcnyhpdh (flipkart)

http://www.homeshop18.com/autumn-my-heart/author:saptarshi-basu/isbn:9789380828541/books/miscellaneous/product:27855878/cid:14567/ (homeshop18)

Welcome Literary World !!!

There was this urge the other day to create an all new, dedicated blog  catering exclusively to the literary community.  And here I am, finally planting the seed of the thought that promises to germinate and transcend to a whole new level bringing together the literary world on one platform.


In time, I have made many friends among authors and bookaholics on a social networking site, and it was expected of me being in the profession that I am to review books that I read. Complimentary book copies have been coming my way apart from the regular pre-orders and orders and purchases of books that I make. Apart from book reviews here, you will be reading interviews and getting news about the authors. 


It is my own special way of appreciating the authors' dedication, determination and devotion to retaining a source of entertainment in our lives which has a special charm of its own when the reader thumbs the pages, wafting through the freshness or even for that matter, staleness of the pages from cover to cover. 


I would assure visitors and members on this URL a delightful experience through literary love and last. Cheers !!!