From Deepa's Desk

  I am kind of ashamed to say that I didn't know about Narmada Parikrama until I read this book.  The author Sameer Gaikwad decides to go on a special pilgrimage, the Narmada Parikrama, the circumambulation of the river Narmada. It is a journey of around 3k kms and takes atleast 3 months to complete. However the author took 29 days to complete the pilgrimage. The amazing part is, he covered this entire journey on his cycle.  The book begins like a travelogue, with the author giving a brief prologue of how the events up to his date of travel unfolded. But when he begins the journey, he doesn't travel alone. He takes the reader along with him. The author's vivid description brings every scene to life and I felt like I was present there, cycling through roads that are sometimes smooth, at times in dire need of cement, other times making their way through fields and yet many other times, giving a glimpse of rolling hills in the background. I absolutely loved the narrative tha...

You only have to search for thrillers on Kindle and you will find Freida's name staring at you from every page you scroll through. Freida has made a name for herself as an author of excellent thrillers. I have read some of her previous works and I took up this book with lots of expectations. I wasn't disappointed. Dr.Charlotte McKenna, a dermatologist wakes up to no feeling at the left side of her head. But apparently that is what a bullet shot at the right side of your brain will do - it will wipe out every memory, every feeling from the left side. Charlotte has a long way to recovery.  But that is not her only concern. Who shot her? She sure has suspects lined up. Her dashingly good-looking husband Clark? Her patient Stan who keeps popping up everywhere she goes, giving off stalker vibes? The ex-husband of one of her patients Regina, whom Charlotte treated for skin ailments against her husband's wishes? It didn't help matters that once Regina was cured of her ailment,...

Ruskin Bond is one author to whom I keep returning time and again and never get disappointed. His simple narratives, vivid description of the places he lived in and the characters that he met and brings to life through his stories make him one of the best writers of the age.  A Murder In Mussoorie And Other Tales is a collection of ten short stories mostly centered in small towns. There is the story of a mysterious murder in Mussoorie that has stayed unsolved till date.  There are stories based on places where Rudyard Kipling is said to have lived during his stay in India. Through these stories, you get a view of India like it was when Ruskin was a child, a teen and a young man, the India that only lives in his memories now. Ruskin's vivid description of the places brings them to life in front of the reader. There is his beloved Dehra where, Ruskin says, the trees are a match for man. There is the lonely and isolated town Shamli where you won't find any civilisation for m...

This book is the debut novel of Nibedita. The story centers around Anaya whose calm and peaceful domestic life is disrupted by an email from Shakti, an unforgettable chapter of her past. The story deals with their tumultous relationship and the effect it has on both of them. The narrative is poetic in its content. It has been written with a lot of grace and is beautiful in its essence. Anaya's guilt, self-doubt and her confusion about her relationship with.Shakti have been portrayed very well. Shakti's character has been well-etched - a dynamic personality who doesn't do things half-way and wears his heart on his sleeve. The gradual progression of his character, from being in love, to drowning in love forms an important part of the story. The book also features poems by Nibedita, expressing her emotions as she takes a nostalgic trip down memory lane with Shakti. The poems are poignant and deep in their essence. I feel there could have been a better demarcation between th...

  Fragrance of Dried Flowers by Barnali Roy Available in Kindle edition This book is a collection of nine short stories that are based on various issues such as religious disharmony, gender discrimination, prejudice against the struggling segments of society, domestic abuse and other issues that are relevant to the present times.  This is the second book of Barnali that I read and I really like how progressive her stories are in their essence. While some stories have societal issues that have existed since generations, some of the stories are based on current times where people struggling with gender identity are frowned upon by the society. While some stories have happy endings, many others show the stark reality of today's times with their factual and heartbreaking endings.  The characters are well-etched and make a distinct impression upon the reader. The stories, without being preachy, impart valuable morals, often leaving fodder for clear thought and interpretation....

Falling Apart And Other Gifts From The Universe by Catherine Ryan Hyderabad Available in Kindle edition  In her sixties, Addie Finch works as a security guard in an abandoned warehouse. She's a recovering alcoholic whose career as a cop came to a crashing end due to her addiction.  Life as a security guard isn't much, but everything changes the day she meets Jonathan. In his teens, homeless and escaping assault, Jonathon seeks refuge from Addie.  From giving him shelter one day, to deciding to invite him to stay at her shed, Addie finds herself mellowing down to Jonathon's innocence and optimism despite everything that has happened to him. As she tries to help him, Addie faces some of her own past demons, sometimes fighting, sometimes almost succumbing but trying every day with loyal Jonathon beside her always.  I have read several books of this author and have come to expect great stories from her. This book exceeds all expectations and how! I loved the relationship...