en-US Thu, 24 Apr 2025 19:29:37 -0700 60 144 41 /images/layout/goodreads_logo_144.jpg Review7516661471 Thu, 24 Apr 2025 19:29:37 -0700 /review/show/7516661471 Shagun gave 5 stars to The Entry of The Evil Ahriman On Earth: A Journey Through Time and Stars (Kindle Edition) by Harshith S. Kumar

𝐐𝐮𝐨𝐭���:
"The Bundahishn, an enigmatic text of Zoroastrian provenance, offers a unique window into this celestial drama, where the descent of Ahriman, the embodiment of chaos, marks the turning point of creation.

𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐈 𝐝𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬?
I’ve always found immense value in spiritual and mythological literature, as these genres often offer profound insights into ancient wisdom and universal truths. That’s precisely why this book intrigued me the moment I came across it.

𝐏𝐫���𝐬���𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧:
The cover illustration, portraying Ahriman’s descent, is striking and immediately draws attention. However, I do believe the design could have been more refined, as it doesn’t quite reflect the depth and quality of the content within. The title, on the other hand, is spot-on and perfectly encapsulates the essence of the book.

𝐍𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧:
The narrative style is brisk, direct, and to the point. The language is clear and accessible, making the text easy to follow even when dealing with complex concepts.

𝐎𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐧:
�� The book delves into decoding the methodology and astrological framework embedded in the Pahlavi text.
�� The content is exceptionally well-organised and engaging, offering a glimpse into many lesser-known aspects of the Bundahishn.
�� I especially appreciated the inclusion of illustrations. They significantly enhanced my reading experience and served as effective visual aids for better comprehension.
�� One of the standout aspects is the discussion on the 12,000-year Persian cycle and its intriguing parallels with evolutionary science.
�� The concluding chapter was particularly impactful, leaving me with the beautiful notion that the universe is teeming with mysteries yet to be uncovered.
�� I would wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone fascinated by spirituality, mythology, or ancient cosmologies. It's a concise read, making it a great starting point for beginners too. ]]> Review7497714998 Thu, 17 Apr 2025 22:07:19 -0700 /review/show/7497714998 Shagun gave 5 stars to POWERHOUSE: Proven AI Playbook to 10x Your Business and Leadership Impact: 10 Plug-and-Play Artificial Intelligence Driven Business Ideas and Strategies for Aspiring Entrepreneurs and Leaders (Kindle Edition) by Anurag Jain

𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐈 𝐝𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬?
I’ve been reflecting on how the AI revolution is profoundly reshaping the startup landscape, and to grasp its true dynamics I wanted to delve into a book that offers both depth and practicality.

𝐏𝐫���𝐬���𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧:
The cover’s simple design is eye‑catching, and the title perfectly encapsulates the book’s focus.

𝐍𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧:
The author’s style is precise, concise, and direct, with lucid language that keeps each point crystal clear.

𝐎𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐧:
✓The content prioritizes real‑world applications over theory, offering insights that feel immediately relevant.
✓Graphs, bold subheadings and short paragraphs act as enticing mini‑teasers, making the material quick to read and easy to grasp.
✓I appreciate how every facet of AI integration in business is covered, from process automation to compliance and legal frameworks.
✓The segment on leveraging AI to evolve as an entrepreneur and leader is particularly inspiring.
✓Concepts are broken down in an accessible way, with practical strategies that I can envision applying right away.
✓I firmly believe this is a meaningful and timely read, and given today’s AI revolution, it’s essential. ]]> Review7493869856 Wed, 16 Apr 2025 11:53:57 -0700 /review/show/7493869856 Shagun gave 5 stars to The Girl on Fire: Book 3 in the Simone Singh series (Kindle Edition) by Devashish Sardana

𝐐𝐮𝐨𝐭���:
"It smells like fear and memories - kerosene."

𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐈 𝐝𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬?
As a thriller addict who was blown away by The Girl in the Glass Case, I leapt at the chance to dive into Devashish Sardana’s newest work the moment I heard it was out—eager for another pulse‑pounding ride.

𝐏𝐫���𝐬���𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧:
The book cover is eye catching and very well designed. The illustration as well as the title of the book is very appropriate and perfectly complements the story line.

𝐍𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧:
I have been a fan of Devashish sardana's writing style and this book was no disappointment in that case. The narration is streamlined and medium paced, with lucid language. The narration perfectly succeeded in holding my attention till the very end of the book.

𝐎𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐧:
�� The plot kicks off with the harrowing discovery of three charred bodies in a remote Kullu hamlet, then ratchets up as doctors are targeted and a nurse disappears under mysterious circumstances—every clue Sardana plants feels earned and ominous. Will IPS Simone Singh be able to crack the case? Grab your copy to uncover the mystery!
�� Sardana’s inventive ideas and knack of storytelling keep the story effortlessly suspenseful and deeply engaging.
�� Simone Singh is portrayed with brilliant nuance, and all supporting characters enrich the plot—Lucas, especially, left me pondering long after the epilogue.
�� I admire the author’s attention to detail in character descriptions, such as Sidhat Kaur’s poised introduction.
�� Ending with a promise that Simone Singh will return had me eagerly anticipating another book.
�� With its accessible language and manageable length, this thrilling read is perfect for both seasoned fans and newcomers alike.
]]> Review7491188616 Tue, 15 Apr 2025 12:01:18 -0700 /review/show/7491188616 Shagun gave 4 stars to From Scars to Stars: Pieces of a Healing Heart (Kindle Edition) by Marjory Qwen

𝐐𝐮𝐨𝐭���:
"This book is for the misunderstood, the black sheep, the misfits, and the rebels—those who dare to embrace their true selves in a world that insists everyone should conform."

𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐈 𝐝𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬?
I always turn to poetry when I’m in a reading slump. This one caught my eye, and I’m glad it did.

𝐏𝐫���𝐬���𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧:
The multicolored, eye-catching cover pairs beautifully with the fitting title and heartfelt content.

𝐎𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐧:
�� The poems are raw, relevant, and deeply relatable �� I found myself connecting to many of them.
�� The poems are very diverse when it comes to the themes they are catering to. Themes such as trauma, motivation, friendship and motherhood have all been incorporated.
�� A number of poems stood out for me but one poem that specifically did was, "The Oldest Daughter". Maybe it was a coincidence that I read the poem when I felt being overwhelmed because of the responsibilities but this poemdefinitely struck a chord with my heart.
�� Some other poems from the book that I would personally want you to read are, "The Kind People" and "Willing to Burn".
�� Another thing about the book that I really liked is the inclusion of minimalist illustrations randomly in the book �� subtle yet powerful.
�� Highly recommend this one, even for poetry beginners �� it’s emotional, accessible, and beautifully real. ]]> Review7489852919 Mon, 14 Apr 2025 23:38:05 -0700 /review/show/7489852919 Shagun gave 5 stars to Elite Performer : How to be Exceptional at Work (Kindle Edition) by Raja Kumar

𝐐𝐮𝐨𝐭���:
"As readers delve into the book, they will find themselves equipped with the tools to identify and harness their inherent strengths, strategically navigate challenges, and cultivate a mindset geared towards continuous improvement."

𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐈 𝐝𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬?
It hasn’t been too long since I stepped into the corporate world, and honestly, juggling responsibilities can get overwhelming. So, I wanted to dive into books that could help me sharpen my behavioral skills and better navigate the corporate maze.

𝐏𝐫���𝐬���𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧:
The cover is simple, clean, and eye-catching �� smartly designed to reflect the book’s professional tone. The title perfectly aligns with the content and purpose of the book.

𝐍𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧:
The narration is straightforward and to the point, with clear, easy-to-understand language. The author doesn’t ramble, and the streamlined presentation makes it super accessible.

𝐎𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐧:
�� The content is neatly divided into four major sections, each dealing with crucial topics like career growth, productivity, financial wisdom, and elite-level performance.
�� What stood out to me is how realistic and relatable the tips are. It truly feels like a personal roadmap for navigating corporate life.
�� The layout is reader-friendly �� with clearly defined paragraphs, bold headings, and subheadings that make the book easy to scan and absorb.
�� The book strikes a great balance between technical corporate realities like office politics and appraisals, and softer aspects like stress and emotional well-being.
�� I genuinely believe this book is a must-read �� whether you're already in the corporate world or preparing to enter it. And take it from a corporate girl like me: this book is a goldmine of practical advice and empowering guidance. ]]> Review7485627137 Sun, 13 Apr 2025 12:02:52 -0700 /review/show/7485627137 Shagun gave 4 stars to Novelist In Love (Paperback) by Adam Yakel

𝐐𝐮𝐨𝐭���:
"Love always comes in a package. I wish I could separate it from grief for you, Charles."

𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐈 𝐝𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬?
I picked this book up solely because the synopsis struck an emotional chord �� it promised a moving, thought-provoking story that felt impossible to ignore.

𝐏𝐫���𝐬���𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧:
The cover is fitting and captures a pivotal moment from the story �� Charles Cooper delivering his speech at Newhill University. The title, too, feels apt. However, considering the depth and beauty of the story, I felt that the cover design could’ve been more visually compelling to match the emotional weight of the narrative.

𝐍𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧:
The book has a fast-paced, fluid narration with a well-organized storyline and simple, heartfelt language. Told from the protagonist’s point of view, the narration draws you in and keeps you emotionally invested throughout.

𝐎𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐧:
�� Let’s start with the story �� it left me absolutely heartbroken. It revolves around Charles Cooper, a successful author invited to deliver a graduation speech at his alma mater. Accompanied by his wife Hannah, this journey unexpectedly takes him �� and us �� back to his past and his high school sweetheart, Alice.
�� It’s an emotional roller coaster, seamlessly blending themes of love, loss, and friendship, while portraying raw, vulnerable human emotions.
�� The book beautifully explores three forms of love: between Hannah and Charles, Charles and Alice, and Khalo and Ivan �� each one layered and authentic.
�� Some scenes struck me hard. Like the one where Charles, not allowed to attend Alice’s funeral, watches from across the street. Or the gut-wrenching moment when he visits the cemetery to find Alice’s grave before his speech.
�� One thing that slightly disappointed me was the final section �� the commencement speech itself. While it is undeniably powerful, it felt a little disjointed and could’ve been more nicely structured.
�� What truly stands out is how the author makes us feel exactly what Charles feels by the end. When he breaks down because he can’t find Alice’s grave, the readers share that grief �� the lack of closure becomes ours too, making the emotional impact deeply personal.
�� I would absolutely recommend this book. It’s not very long, but it carries a heavy emotional weight. Keep tissues close, especially during the third section �� trust me, you’ll need them. ]]> Review7482360011 Sat, 12 Apr 2025 05:45:58 -0700 /review/show/7482360011 Shagun gave 4 stars to Lovestruck and Confused: A Romantic Comedy of Love | Friendship | Tale of Romance | Romantic Mystery | Lot of Family Drama (Kindle Edition) by Harini Srinivasan

𝐐𝐮𝐨𝐭���:
"She was drawn to him at first sight, and he was famous - by posing in a paan masala advertisement, that too semi-nude!

𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐈 𝐝𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬?
A friend recommended this book to me, and the moment I read the synopsis, I was instantly charmed by the quirky plotline.

𝐏𝐫���𝐬���𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧:
The cover is absolutely adorable. The illustration beautifully reflects the plot, and the title feels spot-on and engaging.

𝐍𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧:
The language is simple and easy to follow, and the fast-paced narration suits the breezy tone of the story. At times, the language shifts to Hindi, which adds authenticity to the setting—but it’s something to consider depending on your comfort with bilingual narration.

𝐎𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐧:
�� To give you a quick idea of the storyline: It revolves around Priya and Nitin. Priya is intrigued by Nitin, who suddenly gains fame after appearing semi-nude in a paan masala ad. Things spiral into a delightful romantic comedy when detective Sanjay Dhamija gets involved through Priya’s best friend, Tanya.
�� Having read the author’s previous works, I’ve always enjoyed her writing style—and this book didn’t disappoint.
�� The comic elements like that of detective Sanjay's perspective, made the story interesting and light-hearted.
�� The plot development is smooth, and the characters—even the side ones like Sowmya—are well-written and add to the story without overwhelming it.
�� I found Priya very relatable, and I’m sure many girls will see a bit of themselves in her. I particularly found Tanya's character to be quite intriguing.
�� To my surprise and joy, one of my favorite authors, Amish Tripathi, was mentioned early in the book! That was a lovely moment.
�� Overall, this lighthearted, uncomplicated love story is a perfect pick if you’re in a reading slump or looking for something cheerful and breezy. With its short length and entertaining storyline, it’s great for beginners too. ]]> Review7474173017 Tue, 08 Apr 2025 19:29:01 -0700 /review/show/7474173017 Shagun gave 5 stars to The Silk Route Spy: The True Story of an Indian Double Agent (Kindle Edition) by Dr Enakshi Sengupta

𝐐𝐮𝐨𝐭���:
"Was Nandlal Kapur a traitor or a patriot? A true story like no other."

𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐈 𝐝𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬?
After watching Raazi, I found myself drawn to real-life stories of patriotism and Indian espionage. While I was on the lookout for something similar, a friend recommended this book—and I knew I had to read it.

𝐏𝐫���𝐬���𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧:
The book cover is striking, with powerful hues and compelling illustrations like fingerprints and handcuffs that perfectly echo the story’s essence. The title is straightforward and impactful.

𝐍𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧:
The narration flows seamlessly, with a fast-paced rhythm and clear, lucid language. The storyline is well-structured and easy to follow, keeping the reader engaged throughout.

𝐎𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐧:
�� The story follows Nandlal Kapur, an undercover spy who operated under the guise of a silk merchant. When he becomes a double agent, opinions are divided—was he a traitor or a silent patriot? Enakshi Sengupta beautifully captures his journey with depth and sensitivity.
�� What stood out most to me was the gripping storytelling—it kept me hooked from the first page to the last, making it nearly impossible to put the book down.
�� The ending was emotionally stirring. The line about him vanishing quietly, just as he had lived, stayed with me long after I finished reading.
�� This book is more than just a spy story—it’s a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by unsung heroes whose names were lost in the shadows of history.
�� I wholeheartedly recommend this book. It’s a must-read for anyone who appreciates stories of courage, sacrifice, and patriotism. ]]> Review7467199138 Sun, 06 Apr 2025 09:56:08 -0700 /review/show/7467199138 Shagun gave 5 stars to Dwapar Katha: Mahabharat kii gathayen Bhaag-2 (Audible Audio) by Sudipta Bhawmik

𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐈 𝐝𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬?
मैंन�� द्वापर कथ�� श्रृंखला का पहला भा�� पढ़ा था और वह मुझे बेहद पसंद आया। इसलि�� यह तय कर लिया था कि दूसर�� भा�� भी ज़रू�� पढ़ूँगी �� और अब मै�� यहाँ हूँ।

𝐏𝐫���𝐬���𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧:
पुस्तक का कव�� बेहद खूबसूर�� है, जिसमें भगवा�� श्रीकृष्�� को अर्जुन के सारथी के रू�� मे�� दर्शाय�� गय�� है�� कव�� का रं�� संयोजन पुस्तक की शैली के अनुरूप है और शीर्षक बहुत ही स्पष्ट है��

𝐍𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧:
भाषा सर�� और सह�� है�� मुझे पुस्तक की शैली और कहानी कहने का ढं�� बहुत अच्छ�� लगा।

𝐎𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐧:
�� छोटे-छोटे अध्यायों मे�� महाभार�� के दूसर�� भा�� की कथ�� बेहद रोचक ढं�� से प्रस्तुत की गई है��
�� इस पुस्तक मे�� कु�� प्रसिद्ध कहानियाँ तो है�� ही, सा�� ही कु�� कम जानी-पहचानी कथाए�� भी शामि�� हैं।
�� कुरुक्षेत्�� युद्�� के हर एक दि�� को विस्ता�� से बताय�� गय�� है, हर दि�� के लि�� एक विशे�� अध्याय समर्पि�� किया गय�� है��
�� शब्दों की बहाव और कथ�� की गत�� इतनी बेहतरी�� है कि पुस्तक को बी�� मे�� छोड़ना मेरे लि�� मुश्कि�� हो गय�� था��
�� मै�� इन दोनो�� पुस्तकों की सिफारि�� उन सभी पाठकों से करूंगी जो भारती�� महाकाव्य या हिंदी साहित्�� मे�� रुचि रखते ]]> Review7466109185 Sat, 05 Apr 2025 22:30:49 -0700 /review/show/7466109185 Shagun gave 4 stars to SCARSCRIPT: INKED IN FIRE ETCHED IN FATE (Kindle Edition) by DR. NINA APRA

𝐐𝐮𝐨𝐭���:
"I DEDICATE THIS BOOK TO ALL THE LOVERS WHO LIVED, SACRIFICED ,LOST AND STILL LOVED!"

𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐈 𝐝𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬?
Being a lover of powerful love stories, I was instantly intrigued when a friend recommended this one. The summary caught my attention, and I felt compelled to dive into it.

𝐏𝐫���𝐬���𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧:
While the cover design is quite simple, I feel it doesn’t fully capture the depth and essence of the story. The title, however, is fairly fitting.

𝐍𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧:
The narrative is fast-paced with a clear and organized storyline. The language is simple and easy to follow, making it accessible to a wide range of readers.

𝐎𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐧:
�� The plot centers around Princess Nanda and Ved, an outcast who works at the cremation grounds. It’s a story of love, resilience, and defying societal norms.
�� I genuinely enjoyed the story—it carries a powerful message and kept me engaged until the last page.
�� The portrayal of human emotions is beautifully done, and the connection between Ved and Nanda felt deeply moving and authentic.
�� The emotional depth of the ending left me with a swirl of thoughts and feelings.
�� With its compelling storyline, straightforward language, and short length, this book is an excellent choice for beginners too. ]]>