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Year 2025 | Book 27/52 Book Review - ANATOMY OF A BREAKTHROUGH - ADAM ALTER If you’ve ever felt stalled, this book offers more than encouragement—it offers a blueprint. In  Anatomy of a Breakthrough , Adam Alter argues that feeling stuck is  inevitable , yes—but it’s also  fixable .   “The path forward begins with clarity: separate what you can control from what you can’t, and focus your energy where it truly matters.” This one sentence captures the first shift the book asks of us. Rather than battling every wind and wave, decide: what’s mine to manage? What isn’t? And where should I invest now? Here are the  key themes and insights ,  1. Recognising “Stuckness” as Normal The first service Alter does is normalise the experience: being stuck isn’t a personal failure; it’s a universal stage.    He describes how people slow in the middle of long endeavours—what he calls the “quick-slow-quick” pattern.    By acknowledging this, the book redu...

Year 2025 | Book 26/52 Book Review - Carnage of Desire by Sangita Aich Carnage of Desire by Sangita Aich contains two Bengali‑infused stories told in simple, authentic language with vivid details. Short and readable in one sitting, the narratives carry quiet, profound moments that linger afterward. A compact, 100‑page book that feels small on the shelf but stays with you after closing it.

Year 2025 | Book 25/52 Book Review -  The Restful Mind by Gyalwa Dokhampa This book is a gentle guide to finding peace in a noisy world. It reminds us that the faults we see in others are often reflections of what we carry inside. Through simple practices—like sitting quietly, walking mindfully, laughing, and listening—we can return to the present moment and calm our restless mind. The author explains how our thoughts, speech, and actions shape who we are. Gratitude, compassion, and patience are not just spiritual ideas but practical tools for everyday happiness. He stresses that true rest is not about running away from life but about living fully in the present, without being trapped by attachments, labels, or constant comparisons. One of the strongest messages is simplicity: life may be uncertain, but when we approach it with patience, awareness, and kindness, our mind naturally finds rest. This is not a book of theory—it offers small, everyday steps to cultivate a lighter, freer...

Year 2025 | Book 24/52 Book Review : Happiness is a State of Mind - Gyalwang Drukpa Happiness is not something outside of us; it begins with how we define it for ourselves. Gyalwang Drukpa, in  Happiness is a State of Mind , reminds us that true happiness comes when we peel away the layers of pride, self-criticism, expectations, hopes, and fears. Here are some reflections from the book that stayed with me: Define your happiness.  Don’t wait for special occasions—see joy in everyday life. Stay positive.  Optimism reduces the fear of uncertainty. Live your values.  Intentions and values guide us better than fleeting desires. Handle negativity.  Patience, appreciation, and acceptance are powerful antidotes. Be kind and honest.  When we are kind to ourselves, we can extend the same to others. Unite thoughts, words, and actions.  The quality of our thoughts shapes everything else. Remember choice.  Happiness is a choice, though it requires effort. Grat...

Year 2025 | Book 23/52 Book Review : BEING INDIAN by PAVAN K VARMA I recently read  Being Indian  by Pavan K. Varma (2004), and it’s a brilliant, well-researched book with sharp insights on almost every page. Varma dismantles common myths about Indians and examines what truly drives people in India today. The book highlights India’s contradictions—where many ideas and lifestyles coexist. It offers fresh perspectives on power, wealth, technology, and what it means to be Indian in the modern world. For me, it gave shape to thoughts I’d often had about how Indians live and why they do what they do. If you already know India or have close Indian friends, this book will resonate deeply. Now I’d love to pick up a more recent book that explores similar themes. Any recommendations? #BeingIndian #PavanKVarma #BookReview #IndiaInsights #IndianIdentity #NonFictionBooks #BooksOnIndia #MustReadBooks #IndianSociety

Year 2025 | Book 22/52 Book Review:  Maharaja in Denims  by Khushwant Singh I picked up  Maharaja in Denims  after hearing that  Twenty21 Studios  and  Intelliflicks Studios  are co-producing one of the first AI-generated feature films based on it. Naturally, the buzz pulled me in. The story follows Hari, a Chandigarh teen who believes he is the reincarnation of Maharaja Ranjit Singh and also recalls memories of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. This mix of past life regression, history, and politics makes for an unusual premise. The book ambitiously weaves in events like 9/11, 26/11, and Punjab’s legacy, but the execution often feels rushed. Too much lust, scattered history, and uneven pacing dilute the impact, though Singh’s effort to reimagine Ranjit Singh in today’s times is worth noting. The twist at the end surprises but doesn’t fully satisfy. Overall, it’s a quick read—more intriguing for its premise than for polished storytelling. Buy the Book on ...

Year 2025 | Book 21/52 Book Review:  Khullam Khulla – Rishi Kapoor Uncensored Rishi Kapoor’s   Khullam Khulla  is as frank as its title, offering glimpses into the Kapoor legacy, his career, and Bollywood’s behind-the-scenes drama. The book begins well with interesting anecdotes and family insights but drags in the middle as it shifts unevenly between films and co-stars. His candor about drinking, buying awards, and industry politics keeps it engaging, while Neetu Singh’s heartfelt afterword shines. An easy, quick read—good for trivia lovers, though not extraordinary. #BookReview #KhullamKhulla #RishiKapoor #BollywoodBooks

Year 2025 | Book 20/52 Book Review:  Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother by Amy Chua – A Stern, Honest Take on Parenting Review:  Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother  by Amy Chua is a candid and engaging account of how she raised her daughters, Sophia and Lulu, contrasting Chinese and Western parenting styles. Written in a simple, easy-to-read style, the book is equal parts entertaining and thought-provoking. I agree with Chua’s view that discipline—though stern—is vital, as children are easily influenced by their surroundings. Personally, I feel parenting is always a gamble, but pure intentions tilt the odds in your favor. Memorable takeaways: push yourself to your limits, adapt to succeed, and never waste time. Order the book on Amazon #BattleHymnOfTheTigerMother #AmyChua #ParentingBook #ChineseParenting #BookReview #DisciplineAndSuccess #ParentingStyles #MustReadBooks #LifeLessonsFromBooks #BookRecommendations

Year 2025 | Book 19/52 Book Review : DEVIS & DIVAS - TRIPTI SHARAN Devis & Divas  by Tripti Sharan hints at mythological depth but instead offers modern-day retellings loosely inspired by figures like Sita, Parvati, Ahalya, and Radha. Narrated through a contemporary lens, the stories echo everyday experiences, familiar yet earnest. While the names evoke mythic resonance, they don't expand legacy or provoke new insight. It’s a thoughtful presentation of age-old dynamics, but readers seeking layered reinterpretation might find the stories more familiar than groundbreaking. Another book of the Author - House of Doctors   #BookReview #IndianLit #TriptiSharan #FeministReads #StorytellingLens

  Year 2025 | Book 18/52 Book Review :  Anandamath  by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay.         Set during Bengal’s 1770 famine, blends history, patriotism, and sacrifice. Beyond its story of armed Sanyasis rebelling against oppression, the novel’s lasting legacy is  Vande Mataram —a song that ignited India’s freedom movement and remains both iconic and controversial. Though written in 1882, its themes of duty versus family and religious tension still resonate in 2025. A challenging yet essential read, it’s a powerful reminder of India’s turbulent past and enduring spirit. #Anandamath #BankimChandraChattopadhyay #VandeMataram #IndianClassics #HistoricalFiction #SanyasiRebellion #IndianLiterature #BookReview #PatrioticReads #MustReadBooks

Year 2025 | Book 16/52 Book Review :  Heart Lamp  by Banu Mushtaq (translated by Deepa Bhasthi) Winner of the International Booker Prize 2025,  Heart Lamp  is a poignant collection of 12 short stories that illuminate the inner and outer lives of Muslim women in South India. Banu Mushtaq’s writing, layered with subtle irony and quiet heartbreak, captures the silent burdens daughters and mothers carry. Some stories are strikingly universal, others more rooted in Kannada cultural contexts. While the translation conveys much, I did feel a slight dilution of emotional resonance. A few stories felt repetitive, but the best ones evoke empathy and leave a lasting glow. #HeartLamp #BanuMushtaq #DeepaBhasthi #BookerPrize2025 #InternationalBookerPrize #TranslatedFiction #ShortStoryCollection #IndianLiterature #KannadaLiterature #WomenWriters  #BooksInTranslation #FictionThatMatters #LiteraryFiction #StorytellingWithSoul #ReadMoreBooks #BookReview #Bibliophile

Year 2025 | Book 15/52 Book Review :  The Dalai Lama – An Extraordinary Life by Alexander Norman I picked up this book hoping to better understand  His Holiness the Dalai Lama —his thoughts, emotions, and inner world. While the book covers many important events in his life, I was expecting more depth and personal insight. I wanted to feel connected to his mind—especially during key decisions and turning points. Unfortunately, I didn’t find it very engaging, as it felt more like a record of events than a true glimpse into his personality. For a figure as extraordinary as HHDL, I hoped for something more intimate and reflective. #BookReview #DalaiLama #HisHoliness #AlexanderNorman #SpiritualBiographies #BooksOnFaith #NonFictionReads #BuddhismBooks #TibetHistory #MindfulReading #BookstagramIndia #BiographyReview #LifeOfDalaiLama #ReadingReflections #BooksThatMatter #harpercollins

Year 2025 | Book 14/52 Book Review : Premchand Ki Anmol Kahaniya प्रेमचंद की अनमोल कहानियाँ  साधारण भाषा में असाधारण अनुभव देती हैं।  हर कहानी हमारे आसपास की लगती है, पर फिर भी नई लगती है।  हर किरदार अपनी छाप छोड़ता है। लेखन इतना गहरा है कि लगता है जैसे हम खुद उस कहानी का हिस्सा हों। पढ़ना ज़रूरी है। #Premchand #HindiLiterature #IndianClassics #AnmolKahaniyan #BookReview #SimpleYetProfound #MustReadBooks #TimelessStories #IndianAuthors #PremchandStories #LiteraryGems #ShortStoriesIndia #BooksInHindi #ClassicIndianLiterature #KahaniyonKaSafar

  Year 2025 | Book 13/52 Book Review : Guru Dutt - Ek Adhuri Dastaan Writer - Yasser Usman Translator - Mahendra Narayan Singh Yadav I hadn’t seen Guru Dutt’s films, but always heard he was a creative genius. I read this book to believe it—and I truly do now. Yasser Usman’s writing (and Mahendra Yadav’s translation) brings Guru Dutt alive like a dramatic, emotional film. His artistic madness, personal heartbreaks, and obsession with perfection unfold like a gripping script. This is not just a biography; it’s a peek behind the curtain of a fragile, gifted soul. The tragic end hits hard. Like a classic black-and-white movie, this book lingers with silence, sadness, and sheer brilliance. #GuruDutt #EkAdhuriDastaan #YasserUsman #BookReview #HindiBooks #BiographyReads #BollywoodLegends #FilmyReads #CreativeGenius #ClassicCinema #BookstagramIndia #IndianAuthors #MustReadBiographies #BooksOnCinema #TragicGenius #LiteraryBollywood

Year 2025 | Book 12/52 Book Review :  Iru : TheRemarkable Life of Irawati Karve  by  Urmilla Deshpande &  Thiago Pinto Barbosa A Biography Worth Reading,   Urmilla Deshpande and Thiago Pinto Barbosa’s  Iru  beautifully captures the inspiring journey of Irawati Karve, India’s first woman anthropologist. This biography paints a vivid picture of her relentless pursuit of knowledge, breaking gender barriers, and traveling across India and beyond. Co-authored by her granddaughter and an anthropologist she once inspired, the book explores both her personal and professional life. While it could have delved deeper into her research, the engaging narrative makes it a compelling read. A must-read for those interested in women’s history,  academia, and intellectual resilience. #IrawatiKarve #WomenInScience #Biography #Anthropology #InspiringWomen #BookReview #MustRead #UrmilaDeshpande #ThiagoPintoBarbosa

Year 2025 | Book 11/52 Book Review : 1984 by George Orwell George Orwell’s  1984   is a haunting exploration of totalitarianism, propaganda, and surveillance. The infamous Party, led by Big Brother, manipulates reality, enforcing absolute control—best summed up by the chilling line:   “Who controls the past controls the future. Who controls the present controls the past.”   The novel’s themes remain disturbingly relevant, showcasing humanity’s darker tendencies. While Orwell’s world-building is terrifyingly vivid, some sections felt slow and repetitive. A thought-provoking read that lingers in the mind, but not the most engaging throughout.  #1984 #GeorgeOrwell #DystopianFiction #BigBrother #ClassicLiterature #Totalitarianism #MustRead  

  Year 2025 | Book 10/52 Book Review : कुरुक्षेत्र by  Ramdhari Singh 'Dinkar'   “कुरुक्षेत्र”  by राष्ट्रकवि रामधारी सिंह ‘दिनकर’ is a profound poetic exploration of the  justification, consequences, and morality of war . Set in the post- महाभारत  era, it presents a compelling  संवाद  between  युधिष्ठिर  and  भीष्म , where the victorious king grapples with the guilt of war’s destruction. While  रश्मिरथी  captured the pre-war struggles,  कुरुक्षेत्र  delves into the philosophy of  धर्म, कर्म , and the necessity of war for justice. Dinkar’s evocative verses make this an essential read on the ethics of war and duty. #कुरुक्षेत्र #RamdhariSinghDinkar #महाभारत #काव्य #संवाद #युद्धऔरधर्म #Rashtrakavi #DharmaAndKarma

  Year 2025 | Book 9/52 Book Review: रश्मिरथी by Ramdhari Singh Dinkar रश्मिरथी  by  रामधारी सिंह ‘दिनकर’  is a timeless काव्य-साहित्यिक रत्न that powerfully portrays  कर्ण , one of the most intriguing and tragic characters of the  महाभारत . With its  ओजस्वी भाषा , vivid imagery, and emotional depth, the poem beautifully encapsulates  कर्ण ’s  संघर्ष, वीरता, त्याग , and his relentless pursuit of  सम्मान  despite societal rejection. This महाकाव्य masterfully explores themes of  धर्म, अधर्म, न्याय, नियति, और मानवीय गरिमा , making  रश्मिरथी  not just a poem but an immersive experience. दिनकर जी’s poetic brilliance bridges mythology with timeless human emotions, ensuring its relevance across generations. यदि आप साहित्य, महाभारत, या वीर रस काव्य के प्रेमी हैं, तो ‘रश्मिरथी’ अवश्य पढ़ें! #रश्मिरथी #रामधारीसिंहदिनकर #महाभारत #कर्ण #संघर्ष #धर्म #वीररस #हिंदीसाहित्य #काव्य #MythologyInPoetry

Year 2025 | Book 8/52 Book Review: Here, There and Everywhere by Sudha Murty   Here, There and Everywhere  is a  heartwarming collection of short stories  by  Sudha Murty , featuring her best-loved tales. Written in  simple, easy-to-read language , it’s ideal for beginners. The stories, drawn from  her personal experiences , range from  inspiring to mundane , offering  insights into Indian culture, philanthropy, and education . While some stories  leave a lasting impact , others feel  self-celebratory and repetitive . The  straightforward writing  is a plus for new readers but might seem plain to seasoned ones. A  light, quick read  that showcases Sudha Murty’s charm and honesty. #SudhaMurty #HereThereAndEverywhere #BookReview #IndianAuthors #ShortStories #MustRead #BeginnerFriendlyBooks #InspiringReads #IndianLiterature #LightReads Another Book by Sudha Murty - Wise & Otherwise  

  Year 2025 | Book 7/52 Book Review: House of Doctors by Tripti Sharan House of Doctors  takes readers through the rigorous and emotional journey of a medical student, from MBBS to post-graduation in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Set in  Gwalior , the book resonated with me even more due to my personal connection with the city. Written in a simple, engaging style, the book documents real-life experiences with a mix of  humor, heartbreak, and inspiration . While the details may seem routine to doctors, they offer a  fascinating peek into the making of a doctor for lay readers. It sheds light on the  challenges, sacrifices, and resilience  of medical students—something we rarely consider as patients. An  easy, anecdotal read , this book is perfect for those curious about the medical world beyond hospital visits. Whether you’re a doctor or not, it’s a compelling and insightful journey worth exploring. #HouseOfDoctors #MedicalJourney #DoctorLife #Gwalior...