Neelam's Book Blog

Dancers in the Dark Author: Ejaz Ahamed Pages: 298               After reading this book, the very first thing that came to my mind was, ‘Is there humanity?’ If yes what is humanity? This was a very emotional read for me. The story revolves around Kalki, her brother Karthi, and Shreyas whom we will meet later in the story. Karthi is a seven-year-old who is suffering from a skin condition that makes her skin dark compared to other dark people. People are constantly making fun of her calling her a ‘darkie’ and some even call her ‘ugly’. This has affected the poor girl to a very great extent to the point that instead of playing and having fun she is constantly thinking about how she can turn her skin fair. Her brother Karthi, is always there by her side trying to save her; and protect her from these kinds of people. However, one guilt is still constantly peeking its head out from time to time for Karthi. Karthi was once le...

  I Kick and I Fly Author: Ruchira Gupta Pages: 336                      “I Kick and I Fly” by Ruchira Gupta is a book that revolves around our protagonist ‘Heera’. Heera is a fourteen years old girl who belongs to the Nat Community. India used to be and is still described as Sujalam and Suphalam country. But after the British invaded our country, they started exploiting our country’s people started losing their jobs, divide and rule started. One such community which was exploited was the Nat Community. Nat Community were involved in selling Medicines, performing rope bridges acrobatics, doing wrestling shows, iron utensils, etc. But after the invasion of the British people, they were forced to stop all these work as they used to make these commodities in their own country and sell them here in India. They were forced to live in a very compromised manner in their own home country and were fi...

  Book Name: ‘Millionaires Island’ Author: Priya Kumar Pages: 244                  ‘Millionaires Island’ by Priya Kumar is a book that revolves around Ronnie who is on his way to Mexico for an assignment. On his way to the airport, he is contemplating on several things like how he has led his life so far, how his parents have done so much for him and are proud about him. However, there is something which he is not satisfied about and that he feels like he has the potential to achieve everything but so far, he is being led to do things that no one wants to do. As he reaches and takes a seat in his economy class a person comes and asks him if he can exchange his seat with him which is there in the First-Class Section. Ronnie finds it difficult to digest this information but apparently says yes as he really wants to experience the life of a person who is rich and achieved something. As he moves on to hi...

  The Girl in the Crystal Capsule Author: Anusha Das           'The Girl in the Crystal Capsule' by Anusha Das is an adventurous story of two sisters Crysta and Clara set on a mission to find their missing sister Ani. On this journey to finding their sister the two sisters meet many mysterious creatures and animals and their finding something rather suspicious after talking to them. Together they all are determined to solve this mystery and get their loved ones back. What is the mystery? Will Crysta and Clara be able to find their sister? How did Ani go missing? To know read 'The Girl in the Crystal Capsule'. My Thoughts:            I really loved how Anusha has wonderfully created this mysterious magical world with different monsters and animals. The thought process of how we should all be equal in this world that as this is our home so it is also for the wild creatures and animals. ...

Granny's Chulha  Pages: 104           'Granny's Chulha' is a compilation of authentic recipes and stories behind how the recipes came into being. What I really liked about the book is that they don't just mention the recipes but the team has also taken the pain to interview all the grannies giving us a glimpse of these strong willed and determined ladies.            The recipes are easy to follow and the instructions are given clearly. The notes and tips are very helpful especially for complicated things wherein the person following the recipe can mess things up or use something else as a replacement to the ingredient.            The illustrations are really cute and adds to the attractiveness of the book. Overall, I must say that this is not just a recipe book but also an encouragement for all the ladies out there who feel that they are lagging behind or cannot achieve anything. Thus book will sur...

My Vacation to India: A home away from home Author: Sai Laya Mohanraj Illustrated by: Poorvi Athani          'My Vacation to India: A Home away from Home' is a story of a 6 year old girl Laya and her trip to India. Through this book we get to see how Laya comes to India and meets her grandparents and other relatives of her. She enjoys eating the traditional food made lovingly by her grandmother and the stroll with her grandfather. She's making all these loving memories with her loved ones which will stay with her throughout her life. To know more read 'My Vacation to India: A home away from home'. My Thoughts:         I really liked how we get to see an insight into the mind of an innocent 6 year old. Right from the packing to reaching India the excitement and thrill to meet her loved ones can be seen through the beautiful illustrations.          The illustrations are really beautif...

Prem Says Yes to Shaadi Author: Shiv A Kapoor Pages: 242 'Prem Says Yes to Shaadi' by Shiv A Kapoor is a book that revolves around Kajal, Prem, Samaira and Karandeep. So, the story starts with Prem's family continously pestering him for marriage. However, Prem still doesn't feel like he's ready to marry any girl. The reason being, Prem was once in love during his college times and he still can't get over her. After a lot of pressure from his family especially his mother and her friends Prem is ready to meet his prospective bride and finally he meets Kajal. Kajal is known to be the ideal girl but somehow she has been rejected quite a few times by prospects and it seems that it was no fault of hers. So, finally the day comes when Prem meets Kajal at a temple and he is very awkward being around her wondering how to say no to this relationship. At that time only Kajal starts giving him reasons to reject her listening to which he is flabbergasted. On further speaki...