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Category: Reviews

  • GIRL IN A MILLION Book Review by Monica Gupta

    GIRL IN A MILLION Book Review

    ANITHA PADANATTIL’S GIRL IN A MILLION: A TALE OF BONDING AND REDEMPTION.

    “Never judge a book by its cover”, said someone. “A thing of beauty is joy forever” said another. Agreeing with the former and justifying the latter, the vibrant book cover of Girl in a million immediately captivates the attention and the pages hold you. Told in the 90s at the beautiful town of Oothukudi, the story moves back and forth between the past and present. Sagharika also known as Dr.S, the protagonist, along with other minor characters, Marge, Shruthi and Ratna are crafted well from their adolescent age knows as Core Z to their adulthood, covering details of their schooldays, to facing horrifying events, to moving away in different direction as they pursue their individual goals. The plot pivots around these girls. How they connect? The secrets they share. How they come to terms with the ill-fated past? What binds them? How their personalities lead them to their individual fate? And most importantly, how these girls leap the time and space distance to stay bonded?

    The rich vocabulary with complex phrases makes it a slow paced read, a bit difficult for beginners. The book is outstanding in vividness. The minutest description of the places, food, and culture of the states the girls move to speaks of Anitha’s extensive research and outstanding descriptive skills.

    “My disability…….despite everything life throws at us, the essence of true happiness lies within us.” (Excerpt from the book). Such sprinkle of wisdom here and there add to the depth to the story, offering the reader philosophy to ponder upon.

    Anitha Padanattil has a true winner on her hands with “Girl in a Million”. The powerful protagonist, Koteeshwari (Sagharika) is sure to inspire, and the main story is emotional without being preachy. A poignant inspirational story of one girl’s journey to redemption.

    This is a book everyone will enjoy!

    Review By -Author Monica Gupta.

    Book: GIRL IN A MILLION

    Author: ANITHA PADANATTIL 

    To buy the book on amazon : 

    Publishers : Room9 publications (Room9 Publications by ArtoonsInn ArtoonsInn)

  • Book Review of Sublimina by Monica Gupta

    Book Review of Sublimina by Monica Gupta

    Poetry is my go to waters. For relaxation. To dive into solace. Unlike the fast paced prose reading, while reading poems, I hold on to the emotion, ponder over the theme and ruminate over the essence.

    “Sublimina”, a poetry anthology by Digant M Trivedi was a perfect pick to unwind. The term “Sublimina” is coined by the poet, personifying Sublime. The 127 poems contain various themes of love, life, beauty, death, happiness, punishment and many more. Hence, the variety of poems cater and comply with the varied moods of the reader.

    An excerpt from one of my favorite poem, Death of Socrates.

    “…..My quest is mine alone.

    As time and people have shown.

    The only cure for me,

    Is to drink and be free……”

    Besides the unusual choice of subject, the poems are outstanding in usage of profound words. The impact is immediate. The rhyming scheme, and the use of meters makes them an ideal for recitation. The tales are laced into the poetic fabric beautifully. You may just not want to read them but recite them too. They will delight the ears.

    Another interesting poem, “The Horseman” poignantly gives away the message metaphorically, that however far the horseman may ride into the deep woods, his sins shall outrun him. Conveying the sublime message, to resolve issues and not escape them.

    I can mention many more as my favorite. The book is filled with such great poems.

    For all the bibliophiles and for all in the making, this book is a must read.

    Sharing the link below. Paperback in US – https://amzn.to/2ZPJdX1

    (Same link for anyone buying a paperback outside India)

    Paperback in India Amazon India – https://amzn.to/2BgsiCM Flipkart India – https://bit.ly/3ew7GEJ Pothi.com – https://bit.ly/3evfkzk

    Ebook Worldwide (Kindle Edition) Amazon – https://amzn.to/3dcdQd3