book review – Page 4 – Emotional Shadows

Coming Home #BookReview

Published on July 30, 2023 by balroop singh74 Comments

When I picked up ‘Coming Home,’ I didn’t realize I would be transported to India, as for me, this book brought a myriad memories. Though Smitha takes us through the streets of Bangalore, Kerala and Mumbai but I felt I was back in New Delhi and was once again, visiting all those iconic cities – Bangalore, the “IT capital of India,” Kerala – the “God’s own country,” famous for its backwaters and Mumbai – “the city of dreams,” the hub of Indian Cinema.

I have to share this book with you, as it is much more than just the story of Shanaya.

Book Blurb:

Twenty-six-year-old, Shanaya, finds her idea of home and family ripped apart when she loses her mother. Her effort to drown herself in her job proves to be financially rewarding and her work is recognized by the organisation. But, even this is not enough to fill the vacuum in her heart or answer the questions, her mother’s sudden death had given rise to. In her quest for peace and the need to hold her family together, she leaves her job in the Middle East and moves to India. The story finds Shanaya journeying across geographical planes and inner landscapes to finally reach ‘home’. Coming Home is a heartwarming story about self-discovery, relationships, loss, love, destiny, the choices we make, and how these choices eventually lead to what we are destined for.

My Review:

Coming Home by Smitha Vishwanath holds a plethora of cultural nuances that give you an insight into Indian values, relationships and responsibilities. Written in a simple style, the story transports you to the cities and villages of southern India – revealing the scents of a village, of jasmine flowers, of incense in a temple – making them come alive with vivid and descriptive details. Shanaya’s life changes after she returns home to attend the funeral of her mother. Her bold, independent decisions acquaint her with many finer aspects of life.

The book moves at a moderate pace and keeps you invested with new developments, which are knitted effortlessly into the story. The south Indian cuisine, the flavors and their details leave a delectable taste in your mouth. Smitha’s realism also shines through her characters – Shanaya wants to respect the decision of her family but knows what she is looking for in a marriage. Slowly, she rediscovers herself but keeps you guessing till the end. Jai has been crafted with extreme precision, he is so different from other men in the story.

Coming Home is a brilliant book, as it offers much more than just a mundane story of a woman who is trying to come to terms with the travails of life. Highly recommended! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Meet the Author:

Smitha Vishwanath is your quintessential ‘bored banker’ turned writer. After a rewarding career in Banking in the Middle East where she worked for leading banks in senior positions, she quit and moved to India in July 2018 with her husband who had been transferred to the country on an International assignment. Therein began her writing journey.

Smitha’s poem, ‘Omid’, was nominated ‘Best of the Net’ in 2019. Her poems, ‘Do you Have Dreams’ and ‘Forgotten’, written for the National Poetry Writing Month challenge hosted by Maureen Thompson, won recognition on an international level for two consecutive years, 2021 and 2022. She was nominated as Author of the Month by SpillWords Press for her poem ‘Ye Birds on my Window Sill’ in May 2022. She was recently voted Author of the Month for the months of January and February 2023 for her poem, ‘Two years since you left’ by Spillwords Press. Her poetry has been published by several online publications, including Thieving Magpies, Spillwords Press, Masticadores US, Silverbirch Press, Rebelle Society and has found a place in several noteworthy anthologies.

‘Roads- A journey with Verses’ is a book of poems she co-authored and published in July 2019.

‘Coming Home’ is her debut novel released in March 2023.

When she’s not writing, you’ll find her reading, writing book reviews, sharing her experiences through her blog, painting, walking travelling, or just being. She currently resides with her husband in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Her poems and writing reflect the experiences that come with having lived with people of different cultures.

Connect with her:

Her blog Twitter Goodreads Amazon

Thank you!

Balroop Singh

If you like poetry: click here to hear Magical Whispers

Or hang out with Hues Of Hope

#BookReviews – Five #Stars for each one

Published on April 6, 2023April 5, 2023 by balroop singh58 Comments

It’s been a while since I shared the reviews of the books I’ve read. Here are some of my favorites, each one got glittering five stars from me.

Redemption: A fabulous blend of mystery, suspense and emotions

Redemption is an action-packed story of a family that falls apart due to the secret activities of Eric who is murdered in his own home. His wife ends up in a hospital and their daughter Lisa, along with her brother Trace, tries to figure out the maze, which entangles them with each effort, as they try to solve the mystery of their father’s murder. In this fast-paced story, suspense plays a significant role, as it is difficult to decide who is trustworthy.

There is a divine touch that unfolds through the intuitive ability of Lisa. Plano has created a wonderful trio – Lisa, Trace and his friend Ryan. Together, they traverse the dangerous lanes of investigation and keep you at the edge of your chair. Many secrets tumble out of the closet that are shocking for Trace. The growth of characters is noteworthy. A fabulous blend of mystery, suspense and emotions, the way emotional upheavals are thrown in to give a realistic view of life in the midst of crisis, is remarkable. If you like thrillers with a warm touch, you would like this book.

Return to Silverhills: Packed with action and adventure

Return to Silverhills by Sandra Cox captures your heart the moment it starts and holds it till the last page. A fast-paced story of Lisa, a withdrawn girl who had suffered at the hands of Comancheros, is told with vivacity. She was rescued by Brandon and is wary of men but when she gets an opportunity to do her share, she offers to accompany Brandon’s brother Jeff to help the cook on a cattle drive.

Challenges await in the form of blizzards, quicksand, gunshots, and many more adventures. Despite continuous action and perils lurking at each step, this is a heartwarming story of care, concern and love. The grandfatherly concern of Cookie for the group, the passion that goes into taking care of Lisa and the names like Arabella, Honey, Hope, Lucky give a sensitive touch to the narrative.

Cox’s incisive style of writing, without any superfluous details or distractions makes her books so likable and this one is no exception. The way she handles Jeff’s feelings for Lisa is remarkable. If you like a western story with a touch of tenderness, you will love this book.

Lion Scream: A visual and poetic delight

Lion Scream is a visual and poetic delight but more than that it holds a wealth of information about amazing creatures of southern Africa in a succinct manner. Cheadle shares her incredible personal experiences with the wild animals and her video footage links add another dimension to this book. Her love for wild life shines through her poems, most of which are written in the form of ‘Double Ennead.’ I appreciate her sensitive approach toward the fauna.

As the title of the book symbolizes – human beings need to hear the scream because the impact of poaching, killing and encroaching upon the natural habitat of wild animals has produced disastrous consequences. The first poem ‘Lion Scream’ sums up the plight of wildlife – “there is no jungle, only acres of smooth stumps…”

‘Rhino Dilemma’ clearly demonstrates the savagery and greed of man.

The book has very aptly been dedicated to “everyone who relies on Earth for survival.” It concludes with an insightful short story ‘Nutcracker,’ emphasizing the effect of man’s apathetic attitude toward his environment.

Grow Damn it!: A perfect blend of emotions and humor

‘Grow Damn it!’ is a brilliant potion, in which Oreglia blends snippets of her life – moments of joy and despondency, in equal measure. When she expresses emotions, she takes you into the depths of an ocean where breathing becomes an excruciating effort but when she talks about the lighter moments of life, she takes you beyond the clouds and you merge into their folds with perfect harmony, as if you were a part of the story being told. Such is the magic of her style of writing – informal yet effective. Warmth percolates from her words that reaches your heart effortlessly. Her bonding with the Magnolia tree, her relationship with her mother, sister and grandchildren speaks volumes about her magnanimous heart. Her reflections exude wisdom and wit. I could relate to many of her experiences.

I thought ‘True Grit’ is my favorite chapter but then I read ‘Midlife, Nettles’ and found it hilarious. No! I told myself – ‘Middle-Aged Penance’ is better but wait, read ‘Can I Tell You…’ and then decide! Some of her expressions are classic! Just consider this one:

“The ants are staying for dinner. Buy some bait.” (You have to read this book to know the “ants.”)

“The wines are breathing much better than I am.”

“My gratitude bubbles over as if my soul were a flute of fine champagne.”

“There are things death cannot touch.” – how profound!

Oreglia also shares some beautiful pictures of her family.

I have not read a more meaningful memoir that could speak to me on an emotional level. Never have I been so drawn by a book! It beckoned me even when I was watching my favorite show. Highly recommended.

Thank you.

Balroop Singh.

If you like poetry: click here to hear Magical Whispers

Or hang out with Hues Of Hope

#Spirituality #BookReview

Published on February 15, 2023 by balroop singh33 Comments

I always thought that spirituality is self-development. I associate it with our psychological growth. It is just being in harmony with yourself, exploring your thoughts and empowering them, delving deep into what you want and not being led by the so-called Gurus. It only comes with understanding people and the world. It is being kind, tolerant and forgiving, which may lead you to inner peace.

Till I came across this book, which confounded me with a lot of questions though it claims that “‘The Untethered Soul‘ offers simple yet profound answers to these questions: What would it be like to free yourself from limitations and soar beyond your boundaries? What can you do each day to discover inner peace and serenity?”

My Review:

This thought-provoking book speaks the language of the usual yogis or so called “Religious Gurus” and inspires you to live in harmony, avoid extremes, contemplate death to learn from it; it takes you round and round, offers no solution but repeats three messages time and again, which are:

Let go.

Leave your comfort zone.

Break the boundaries you’ve set for yourself and look beyond.

I am sure we’ve heard these messages a thousand times yet we don’t “Let go.” Why? Because we all know how challenging it is to let go of our worries, stressful moments, emotional hurts, failures, haunting memories, betrayals etc.

Singer takes very basic examples of letting go and doesn’t mention the real issues like – How can a successful person who has been laid off not get stressed?

What about the parents who have lost their young child in gun violence? Will they ever be able to let go? It might take a struggle of lifetime for them to see light within them.

What about a woman who has to live with an abusive husband and her cultural compulsions don’t let her move an inch without his permission? How can she break the boundaries?

Healing takes a long time. Spirituality is a long, meandering process but there is no such warning in this book. It makes it sound as easy as accomplishing a simple task of making a cup of tea.

Give this book in the hands of a 20 year old and he would scoff at the possibility of letting go. He is eager to experience life, absorb the impressions and take all the risks.

Give it in the hands of a 30 year old and he would shove it in one of the book shelves, as he has no time for “untethering his soul.” He would like to explore all the possibilities of reaching the zenith. He doesn’t believe in boundaries.

Give it in the hands of a 40 year old and he would say – ‘easier said than done’ because by now life has taught him many lessons. He has found his comfort zone. He also knows from his experiences that it is only when we struggle with ourselves, only when we try to make peace with an unfortunate event, only when we use all the available energy that we can remove the weight, that blocks our heart and mind. Untethering the soul is a far cry.

Then Singer talks about unconditional happiness. The most shocking part is and I quote: “Do you want to be happy from this point forward for the rest of your life, regardless of what happens? Now if you say yes, it might happen that your wife leaves you, or your husband dies, or the stock market crashes or or your car breaks down on an open highway at night.” Then he says- just “let the events come and go.” “Don’t allow events to leave impressions inside of you.”
Really? Can you control the impressions that harrowing events leave on your heart and mind? Another shocking quote, “No matter what happens, you choose to enjoy the experience, if they starve you and put you in solitary confinement, just have fun.”

Though I didn’t dislike the book but it didn’t offer anything new. It is quite elementary.

I have given 3 stars to this book though it is said to be the bestseller.

Thank you.

If you like poetry: click here to hear Magical Whispers

Or hang out with Hues Of Hope

#BookReviews #Poetry #Myths

Published on December 8, 2022December 8, 2022 by balroop singh60 Comments

Our fascination for myths never wanes and I wonder how did they start! Colleen’s new release answers some of the questions about myths and as usual, she sprinkles them with magic dust. I’ve never believed in magic, yet I look for it everywhere. It holds a cryptic mystery, it lights crevices within me…

So this book was as enthralling as Book 1 by her: Fairies, Myths & Magic – A Summer Collection

Fairies, Myths & Magic: Book 2 – A Winter Collection is enchanting…

If the fairies of A Summer Celebration were fascinating and magical, Colleen’s latest collection – Book 2: A Winter Celebration begins with the darker aspect of the myth of The Changeling. There was a time when faeries stole babies from their cradle and replaced them with a changeling – a faery baby. The story of Alyssa is captivating; told in the most convincing manner, this myth sounds scary. The tale of a witchy woman called Gryla is equally frightening as she descends from her cave in the mountains during the Christmas season and gathers up all the naughty kids for her to make into stew! But Tomte, the House Elf made me smile and wish that he should visit me to tidy my home with the snapping of his fingers! This book sounds the best when myths are woven around such amazing characters and stories.

Colleen shares a diverse collection of short stories and poetry, which has been inspired from myths of the dark days of winter. Some of the ancient myths and legends illustrate how the people of our world celebrated the sun’s victory over winter’s darkness. I could relate to the traditions of the Persian festival, which is celebrated with family get-togethers, lit candles and feasts.

Colleen’s poetry is perceptive and she creates magic with her words when she says: “where sand dunes build castles in the air.” ‘Jack’s Frost Fairies’ paint a vivid picture of winter “until all things glittered under the moonlight.” ‘Poetic Spell Craft’ is a brilliant combination of thoughts that spoke to me. There are many such gems in this book that have to be savored slowly.

Sorrowful Soul by Harmony Kent is the cry of a loving soul…

Some people walk away without giving a second thought to the sensitive souls they leave behind, some are snatched away by death – Harmony’s new collection of poignant poetry, immersed in emotional deluge of heartbreak, talks about both the situations though death is more of a symbol for the loss that the poet has experienced. Everyone in this world has to face loss in one form or another but only a few can write such brilliant poetry to reconcile with it. Written in blank verse, the poems appear to be simple but you have to delve deeper to understand the powerful imagery that highlights the profundity of raw emotions.

Tormented by “untouchable phantom,” – a lie called love, the poet captures the yearning, the pain, the misery with a glimmer of hope, which is dying with each passing day, as the images get darker, denial clouds the mind and guilt creeps up; self-blame eats into the entrails of the heart. How could it happen before we “sung our swan song” is the lament that is heartbreaking!

Each poem emerges from a scorched heart, each poem echoes the cry of a loving soul that craves for belongingness. Guilt and anger can’t provide any relief. Death and depression overpower:

“The raven’s croaking caw carries the stench
Of carrion on its vile breath.
As it makes its perch on my slumped shoulders
Blinds me with its scorched-black wings…” I haven’t read a better description of depression! Outstanding poetry!
Thanks for hopping on to ‘Night Train’ and taking a “leap of faith.” You have to read how one can “make a fresh start.”

Thank you. Happy reading!

If you like poetry: click here to hear Magical Whispers

Here is my latest release Hues Of Hope

#BookReviews #Poetry #Shortstories

Published on November 30, 2022 by balroop singh68 Comments

This week I would like to share some wonderful books of poetry and short stories. All three books are a quick read and I really enjoyed them.

Variety is the Spice of Life by Sally Cronin

True to its name, this book is packed with a variety of syllabic poetry, pulling at the strings of your heart with poems like ‘Face in the Mirror,’ accompanied by a beautiful picture of the poet and her mother – a reminder of her laughter and ‘The Waltz’ that captures the joy of two hearts. Cronin’s poems are short and meaningful, most of them capture vibrant colors of life. Even drought doesn’t escape her discerning eye. Robins, starlings, bees and butterflies come alive in her poems. If blossoms remind us of fleeting opportunities, bees convey a profound message of diligence and persistence.

Sally’s short stories have always been my favorite, as they bring out the best of human values. I loved ‘The Healer’ and ‘Home Help’ but the winners are the marmalade cat and robin of Miss Lloyd. Cronin’s love for furry friends shines through her stories. I highly recommend this lovely collection to readers of all genres.

Do What You Love by MJ Mallon

‘Do What You Love’ is a little memoir that captures beautiful moments of life, giving an insight into the author’s experiences, hopes and adventures. A delightful concoction of poetry, photography and flash fiction, imagination and reality merge here to share the stories of her life in a succinct manner.

With the symbol of hibiscus flower, Marje introduces herself as a giggling and carefree child whose mentor is Lachesis – the goddess of future. How creative! It is her innovative style of writing that would capture your heart, as all three “sisters of fate” – Clotho, Lachesis and Atropos remain close to her and offer her friendly advice at each step of life.

With a pang in her heart and tears of pride in her eyes, the empty nester also shares the story of her successful daughters and is reassured by Atropos that they have to take their own path. So relatable! It is fascinating to watch the poet conversing with “sisters of fate” and the moments we cherish come alive through her poems.

The Christmas Bird by Robbie Cheadle

‘The Christmas Bird’ is a heart-warming story of love and compassion. Stella and her sisters are celebrating Christmas when they discover a bird’s nest that had been destroyed by their dogs. Stella gently picks up the surviving baby bird and hopes to save it despite her mom’s warning that it may die of shock. They prepare an old basket into a warm nest for the little bird, feed the bird lovingly and get attached to it. The bird seems to be a perfect Christmas gift for the girls.

This short story infuses a sense of respect toward our environment. The natural instinct of caring for all the species is highlighted in a subtle manner. Loving and letting go is also underlined, as the bird grows wings and learns to be free. Written in a simple language, it is a perfect story for children if the superfluous details of the beer making process are brushed aside.

Thank you. Happy reading!

If you like poetry: click here to hear Magical Whispers

Here is my latest release Hues Of Hope