The Reluctant Doctor by Balesh Jindal - Book Review

Publication Date: 23rd September 2022

Genre: Memoir, Nonfiction 

4.3 Stars 

One Liner: Straightforward and heartfelt 

With a tagline of Stilettos to Stethoscope: True Stories from Inside a Clinic, The Reluctant Doctor is a memoir of a practicing doctor's journey of thirty-eight years. As a newly married daughter of a rich businessman, the author dreams of accompanying her husband (a fellow doctor) in London and having the time of her life. 

However, her father sets up a small clinic for her in the dusty village of Kapashera (South West Delhi- NCT) to treat his farm laborers. Of course, she could walk away and join her husband anytime. Yet, destiny decides that she change the lives of hundreds of people in the region and go on a different journey, one that’s a total contrast to her dreams. 

My Thoughts: 

I was torn when the author asked if I’d be interested in her book. I’m not into memoirs. However, this medical memoir spans many developments in the country. Finally, I decided to try, and I’m glad to say that it was the right decision. 

The author is honest about her dreams and desires and how much she resented having to ‘step down’ and work in a remote village. I truly appreciate this. There’s no pretense or preaching here. No taking a moral high ground about wanting to do seva (service). 

It’s refreshing to read a memoir that begins with a sulking twenty-five-year-old rich brat who grows into a mature woman who learns, unlearns, makes mistakes, saves lives, takes risks, loses loved ones, and becomes the most trusted and loved doctor in the region. The difference between the young and grown-up versions of the author is clear. 

The author’s doctoring journey began in 1982. We see a multitude of events that happen from then to 2014 (ish). They aren’t in chronological order but grouped based on the type of events and random details. While this leads to regular repetition, it also prevents the book from being a monotonous narrative. 

There’s no sugarcoating, nor is there any dramatization of real incidents. The author states them as she remembers them. Her feelings come across clearly, be it repulsion, revulsion, grudging acknowledgment, acceptance, determination, exasperation, fear, doubt, or vulnerability, she knows what she felt back then and has no qualms about stating them. Also, a recurring theme is about how the course program hardly equips a medical student to deal with real life cases, and how overwhelming a fresh doctor feels when facing the crowd. 

With the events oscillating from one extreme to another, the book is a rollercoaster ride almost throughout. One instant I’d be cringing about something horrible, and the next, I’d be tearing up about happy news. This may not work for everyone, but it did for me. It kept the overall narrative balanced and flowing until the last section, which is mostly horrifying (though we have been desensitized to a lot of it over the years). 

From quacks to domestic abuse to termination of unwanted pregnancies, incest, rapes, dowry, and desperate life-saving attempts, the book covers most cases a GP practicing in a rural village would have to deal with and more. As the progresses, we see how the author doesn’t limit her role to being a doctor but also becomes a counselor and does more than what she can educate the villagers about their health. 

She makes bold statements about the wide gap between policymakers and ground realities. A book with liberal social commentary could go either way. However, this one stays on its path to a major extent. The opinions come from personal experience and the exhaustion of having to handle them countless times over the years.  

One aspect I wish to add here is that incest, pedophilia, rape, and sexual abuse are global concerns. Many women prefer denial even when the victims are their dear ones. While the ‘big Indian family’ is definitely one reason for this in our country, it is not the only reason. As someone who has seen several posts in Tarot groups over a year, I can say this with definite authority. Things aren’t different around the world. 

A doctor knows the importance of accurate diagnosis. After all, the wrong medicine could lead to death. The same rules apply here. Why are women conditioned to put others and even ideology over themselves? On one side, we have the orthodox matriarchs sacrificing girls’ futures to ensure the men in the family have an unblemished reputation. 

On the other side, we have modern-day feminists shielding perverts and abusers, who they consider allies. Be it the activist-cum-author who protected her senior by not reporting sexual abuse as he has from the ‘lower caste’ or the young girl who chose to suffer rape (and eventually death) in the farmer’s protest because she didn’t want the ‘men fighting for a noble cause’ to suffer. Then we have women accusing a ‘privileged woman’ of being responsible for a poor man losing his job because she dared to complain about his perverted actions in a hospital. Where does the blame lay? 

I wish the book had a few pictures of the clinic. I would have also liked a glimpse at the author’s paintings (she’s an artist, too!). The ending is another part that could have been smoothened. Though realistic, it is abrupt and jarring. While it can be impactful, it is not how a professional memoir should end. A book that does its best to present events without sensationalizing should have a smoother ending. 

To summarize, The Reluctant Doctor is an honest memoir dealing with a person’s growth and the role of a determined GP in the rural community. It’s a worthy read despite the few issues with repetition and a bumpy beginning. 

My heartfelt thanks to the author, Balesh Jindal, for a copy of the book.  

***

P.S.: Many events in the book can be triggering, even without excessive descriptions. 

The Other Side of Mrs. Wood by Lucy Barker - Book Review

Publication Date: 22nd June 2023

Genre: Historical Fiction 

3.5 Stars 

One Liner: Intriguing premise; mixed results 

1873, London 

Mrs. Violet Wood is a popular Medium in Victorian London. She has a steady following among the elite and stands still as a genuine Medium even as others get exposed and are sent out of society for being frauds. 

However, with more American Spiritualists arriving in the city and promising fantastical visions, Mrs. Wood finds it hard to keep her audiences entertained. Then, the news of her crumbling finances turns her desperate. Mrs. Wood decides to train and launch a fresh face as her pupil, a certain nobody Miss. Finch, whom she finds outside her home. 

Soon, Mrs. Wood finds that things may have gotten worse. But will she give up and surrender or show the world why and how she had survived to be the greatest Medium in London? 

The story comes from Mrs. Wood’s third-person POV. 

What I Like: 

I love the premise and the setting. Mediums competing with each other and the ever-increasing demand for their services are intriguing themes. 

The setting (Victorian London) is wonderful. There’s no denying the research that went into the plot. The fascination with Spiritualism during that era and the role of women in promoting Mediums is very well done. 

Even the séances are well-described, without going into too much detail but providing enough to know how it works. The focus here is not on the paranormal elements. Instead, it deals with the tricks of the trade and the effort behind the scenes to ensure a smooth and entertaining séance. 

Though the book has many characters (a Medium needs clients, after all), it is easy to track who is who. The main characters are Mrs. Violet Wood, Miss. Sarah Newman (friend and assistant to Mrs. Wood), and Miss. Emmeline Finch (Mrs. Wood’s pupil). 

The atmosphere throughout the book is slightly heavy to suit Mrs. Wood’s situation. She sure has quite a few issues to deal with. It also aligns with the kind of setting needed for a séance. Even when the Mediums talk, laugh, and eat loads of cakes, the heaviness hangs on the edges, ready for the next step. This is an advantage and a disadvantage.

What Could Have Been Better for Me: 

However, the book is slow from start to finish. (I completed it in two days because I had a couple of hours extra time to spare.) The story actually starts at around 30%. The initial portion focuses on setting the stage and introducing the various elements that would later contribute to the central conflict. 

The book has very little action. Whatever action we see is buried under the atmosphere’s weight and struggles to shine through on its own. Even the crucial climax scene doesn’t get dramatic enough to elevate the story. In fact, it gets over too soon, even if there’s scope for a lot of intensity. 

The content could have been 30 pages shorter and crisper to make it more engaging. Of course, a little more exploration of Miss. Finch’s arc would be even better. 

Mrs. Wood’s character is a sort of paradox. It works to an extent, though I’d have loved it if we get a little more about her past. Most of it comes through her thoughts, and there’s quite a bit of repetition of the same and less additional information that could add more layers to the arc. 

I do love epilogues and positive endings. However, this one doesn’t do justice to the plot until then. I don’t particularly like how it’s done. After going through so much, it could have been better. 

To summarize, The Other Side of Mrs. Wood is indeed an atmospheric novel with some interesting elements. However, it is mostly a mixed read that doesn’t fully reach its potential. I hope the final version has the author’s note (there isn’t one in the ARC). 

Thank you, NetGalley, HarperCollins Publishers Australia, and Fourth Estate, for the eARC. 

#TheOtherSideofMrsWood #NetGalley

A Most Agreeable Murder by Julia Seales - Book Review

Publication Date: 27th June 2023

Genre: Regency Mystery, Romance (ish), Parody  

3.7 Stars 

One Liner: OTT but fun (go with the right expectations) 

Beatrice Steele isn’t the one to follow the etiquette written for a lady. She would rather solve crimes (murders) if she could. But living in Swampshire, a small English township, means she cannot risk things even if most people know she’s an oddball. 

With a prankster for a father and a determined mother, Beatrice decides to tone down her love for murders and help her younger sister Louisa make the match of the year by Mr. Edmund Croaksworth. However, the said most eligible bachelor falls dead in the middle of the ball. 

Stuck inside due to a raging storm, Beatrice suddenly finds herself doing what she always wanted to do- investigate a crime. Of course, she has to work with a grumpy detective, but Beatrice is determined to find the killer. 

The story comes from Beatrice’s third-person POV (mostly), with additional information through other means (letters, script, news articles, etc.) 

As the GR blurb states, it has many elements from Austen’s works and a touch of Christie’s. 

What I Like: 

Well, this is a parody, a farcical take on the Regency Era and the ridiculous rules people had to follow. It exaggerates most elements to make them even more weird and silly. I liked a majority of it, though things get a little too OTT at times. 

The writing style, too, has a generous touch of absurdity. Something that’ll make you roll your eyes if you want serious stuff. Not sure if I would have enjoyed it as much on other days, but I picked this at the right time. 

I love the cover design and the elements on it. From the frogs (Swampshire is full of them) to the book, letter, sword, flowers, a vial, etc., everything finds a place in the story. 

Beatrice and Inspector Drake are interesting characters. Their banter is fun to read. It’s a sort of grumpy sunshine trope, but Beatrice is more of a summer storm. Drake is grumpy with proper justifications. I also like his background, which for a change, seems realistic for the given timeline. 

There is no explicit romance per se, but you get the chemistry to add to the atmosphere. There are other sort-of romantic plots, but it’s not the central focus. This works because we already have too many elements. 

The mystery was easy enough to figure out despite the revelations and twists. There’s one only way it could go, and that’s where it turns. Though Croaksworth doesn’t say adieu until 30%, once the investigation begins, it goes on at a decent pace. 

It combines family drama and closed-door mystery rather well. It’s the kind of premise that will either look great on the screen or make a mess of it. A middle road is unlikely and not preferred. 

Despite a few excessive elements, the humor is pretty neat and easy to read. It may not be funny all the time, but it’s not cringe. At the most, you’ll be bored with the silliness of it, though for me, it is entertaining enough to have a few chuckles. 

PC: Publisher's media kit

What Could Have Been Better for Me: 

I’m all for ridiculous plot elements in satire. I like absurd stuff in my own way. However, a couple of things have no proper explanation and don’t fit in (yeah, I’m referring to Mary). 

Some elements are dealt with with a heavy hand, which takes away from the intent and reduces the impact. Even in such books, a bit of dry humor is necessary to balance out the OTT-ness. 

Mr. Grub is character readers will love to hate. That’s his sole purpose in the book. But I could do without all that snot. Eww! Captain Pete’s speech style (all his sea metaphors) and Daniel’s rhyming quotes are not really funny. 

To summarize, A Most Agreeable Murder is a satirical take on regency and mystery tropes. It is a funny, trope-y, and lighthearted novel to enjoy on a lazy afternoon. I hope this would be a duology or a trilogy to answer a few questions and give us more of Beatrice and Drake. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group, for the eARC.  

#NetGalley #AMostAgreeableMurder

***

P.S.: Start the book with the right expectations. It’s not a Regency mystery (and there isn’t anything serious about it, though it provides some food for thought). It’s a parody of it, so things will border on ridiculous. I enjoyed the book more as I was prepared for this.

The Rachel Incident by Caroline O'Donoghue - Book Review

Publication Date: 27th June 2023

Genre: Literary Fiction, Coming of Age 

3 Stars 

One Liner: A mixed read for me 

The older Rachel hears about professor Dr. Fred Byrne from her undergrad days and shares her story of the past days. A 20-year-old young Rachel has lived in Cork all her life. She is an art student working part-time in a bookstore. She meets her colleague, James, and soon they decide to become housemates. He is her best friend and a partner in crime. 

What starts as Rachel’s crush on him leads to some surprising developments. Soon, the lives of Rachel, James, Dr. Bryne, his wife, and a few other characters are entangled with the economic recession and women’s rights in Ireland. 

The story comes from Rachel’s first-person POV. 

The book is much more than the blurb (especially the GR version, so don’t be disappointed that it doesn’t play the central role in the plot). 

My Thoughts: 

How much you like the book will depend on how well you take to Rachel. As you can see, it’s a fairly mixed read for me. I like it in bits and pieces, but as a whole, the book reminds me why I’m so wary of this style of storytelling. 

The writing has a charm. It presents the MC very well, which is both an advantage and a disadvantage. Still, it’s the kind of writing you can sink into, even if the narrator isn’t appealing or interesting. 

We’ve been 20 at some point in our lives and might relate to Rachel in one or another or none at all. Yet, the age is where we’d usually make at least one stupid decision, big or small. So, I was curious to see how Rachel’s life would grow and change as she navigated through a vulnerable age range. However, after finishing the book, I’m not really sure about the changes. Oh, there’s potential, alright! 

Having an older Rachel talk about her past with the nostalgia and wisdom (?) of a grownup is an interesting concept. Though, here most of it comes as foreshadowing. ‘I didn’t see it that way…’ ‘That wasn’t how it was, I know that now.’ These work only to an extent as somehow the adult version doesn’t feel much different from the younger version. 

While I enjoyed the dynamics between Rachel and James (her gay best friend and housemate), it was stereotypical, which soon went into the toxic co-dependency category. That’s fine since the point here is about the mess and not perfection. However, we don’t really know James except what Rachel thinks he is. This does him a grave injustice as he is slotted into a category and pretty much works within its boundaries. I’m sure I’d have liked the book more if it came from his POV. He would be so much more than ‘the gay bestie I can’t live without’. 

It’s not until the actual Rachel Incident happens that things pick up pace. That’s when we see the characters being something other than passive about their own lives. But it’s too late, as this doesn’t occur until after the halfway mark. What could have possibly been the central premise begins too late. I was bored with the whole thing by then.   

Even the main side characters, Carey, Dr. Byrne, and Dennie, are neatly slotted into their respective roles. Only one of them gets another chance, which I saw coming. After all, the plot was already following a tried and tested approach by then. The events after the Rachel Incident are plot-driven, a sudden shift from being character-driven, but I was more than happy to go with the flow. 

The book deals with a few difficult topics (check out the TW at the end). Yet, in moments where I should have had my heart broken for the characters, I ended up feeling very little for them. The story doesn’t linger when it should. It moves on to other events and a couple of time jumps. The point where Rachel actually learns to let go of her dependency on men and focuses on her life moves at 4x speed. This makes it even harder to see the new version of Rachel as we get too much of the older one. 

I don’t give a damn about what stupid things Rachel does. Even though she acts like a sulking petulant child at times, she gets cornered when she’s not really at fault.  She does what she has to do, which may or may not be right. However, I do wish the plot didn’t take a predictable turn after that. As much as I hate to say it, a certain traumatic incident is simply a convenient plot development. 

I’m not Irish, but I’m not new to Irish fiction (though I haven’t read Sally Rooney). I don’t come from a small town, but I fit the age range perfectly. My having nothing in common with Rachel isn’t a problem, as I rarely relate to any of the MCs in the books I read. My issue is that inconsequential things get a lot of space while important issues are breezed through in comparison. 

To summarize, The Rachel Incident should have been a book I loved, but it is something I could like only in parts. All my GR friends (until now) have loved the book, so check out their reviews before you decide. 

Thank you, NetGalley, Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor, for the eARC.  

#NetGalley #TheRachelIncident

***

TW: Infidelity, talk of abortion rights, miscarriage. 

The Illusions by Liz Hyder - Book Review

Publication Date: 22nd June 2023

Genre: Historical Fiction 

4 Stars 

One Liner: Intriguing premise and good execution 

Bristol, 1896

Cecily Marsden finds herself lost when her master, an aging con artist, dies in an unexpected accident. Cec tries to survive and make sense of her powers, fearing that she is somehow to blame for Arter’s death. 

Eadie Carleton is a talented early filmmaker struggling to run her family photography shop and make a mark in the male-dominated world. She has a lot to deal with and some very important decisions to make. 

George Perris is a young magician struggling to create the best act for his special show. He is fascinated by the motion pictures and sees their potential. However, he needs to convince Eadie to help him combine magic and motion pictures to achieve his dreams. 

Valentin knows he needs to return to Bristol and face his past to find peace. He soon becomes a part of the magic show as all these people come together. 

However, the group has to deal with several attacks and sabotages to find success. 

The story comes in the limited third-person POV of Cec, Eadie, George, and Valentin. 

What I Like: 

I confess I haven’t paid attention to the cover until I read the book. The colors aren’t bright enough for my liking, but I love the detailing. It’s perfect for the premise and includes important elements in the plot. 

Though the book has many characters and multiple versions of their names, it isn’t hard to track them once we get into the flow. I didn’t refer to my notes even once. It also helps that the story comes from the third-person POV of the four main characters. We get more insights into their backstories and the setting. 

Most of the characters (except for Skarratt) are layered and relatable. They have their flaws, say things they regret, make a few wrong decisions, and learn to move on. None of it goes overboard. 

The pacing is quite decent, though the story tends to drag in the middle. It picks up pace after 60% and brings a lot of action. The last section is easily the highlight of the book. Everything comes together and gets elevated to the next level. 

The central elements of the plot are very well done (not a surprise, based on the author’s note). The magic shows are detailed but not overly so. The concept behind motion pictures is explained but not in excess. This ensures that the focus stays on the characters and the plot. 

The plot includes quite a few themes like love, found family, regrets, loss, etc. These are seamlessly woven with other elements to create a cohesive story. There’s drama, action, romance, magic, intrigue, suspense, danger, and a HEA. 

What Could Have Been Better for Me: 

The book has itsy-bitsy pieces of magic realism. I was excited to see more of it, but it ends up as a plot device than an independent entity. While the author’s note answers why (the book was supposed to be about magic tricks, motion pictures, and theatre), I still feel the touch of real magic could have been more. 

The same goes for the teeny elements of dark magic. We get hints of it in Skarratt’s scenes, but it all ends up fake. I sure wouldn’t mind if some of it was real (even if the guy didn’t know it was). It would have added more personality and depth to his character (which is possibly the weakest in the cast, given how typically villainous he is). 

I still can’t point out what, why, or how but something’s missing from Cec’s character development. I’ve tried hard to identify it, and the closest I can get is that her arc is restrained and held back to suit the plot. Cec is a strong character on many fronts (and her being a teen only adds to it). However, she gets to bloom only in the second half (in the last quarter, to be precise). 

To summarize, The Illusions is a wholesome entertainer that blends different elements with ease. It takes time at the beginning but is worthy read in many ways. This is my first book by the author, and I’d love to read her future works. 

Thank you, NetGalley, Bonnier Books UK, and Manilla Press, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

#NetGalley #TheIllusions 

New Beginnings on Railway Lane by Alison Sherlock - Book Review

Series: The Railway Lane #2 (Standalone)

Publication Date: 16th June 2023

Genre: Contemporary Small Town Romance 

3.7 Stars 

One Liner: Sweet and enjoyable 

Workaholic Katy Smith is made redundant at the 5-star hotel she managed and achieved great heights. With the industry in a slump, Katy doesn’t find good job opportunities despite her glowing career graph. Drunk and sad, she applies for a job at random to find out that it’s neither a hotel nor an active railway station. But a job is a job, isn’t it? 

Ryan enjoyed success as a chef in Rome before his career ended in a wreck. Back home, he has to deal with the mess of his parents’ broken marriage and his confidence issues. Katy’s arrival seems to have sorted the place but what about his career and future? 

Can the two find a new beginning in the sleepy small town? 

The story comes in the limited third-person POV of Katy and Ryan. 

My Thoughts: 

I quite enjoyed book one in the series and hoped this would deliver on the same level. Fortunately, it almost succeeds. While I did like the first book better, this one is charming in its own way.  

Katy and Ryan are well-defined characters with their own burdens and issues. Bob’s character arc is well done, and I like the change we see by the end (even if it feels a little abrupt, as we don’t get his POV). 

The side characters are often present and add to the small-town atmosphere. Harriet is more confident and happy in this one. Flora and Libby stay true to their characters. The adorable golden retriever, Paddington, also appears more than once. 

My issue is with the info dump in the initial chapters. We get Katy’s life story in her first chapter and Ryan’s in his. Reading their backstories in the first and second chapters of the book feels like an overload. While some information is necessary, the rest isn’t. Furthermore, some details are repeated a few times as the characters converse with others. Removing the repetitions from the beginning would tighten the narration. 

The plotline, as such, is predictable. But that’s why I read small-town romances (this is a clean romance with a few kisses), so no complaints. Moreover, it’s nice to see how Katy’s professional expertise brings better opportunities for the village without destroying its natural beauty. 

The book deals with themes like family, relationships, home, love, friendship, self-confidence, etc. While most of them were handled well, I did wish for a little more depth in Katy’s relationship with her mother towards the end. 

I suspect we’ll have to wait for Ethan’s book to fully sort out the family dynamics and past secrets. While there is a satisfactory resolution here, we also know there are a couple of loose ends. 

I like that there are no third-act breakups or misunderstandings. The book sustains the feel-good vibes throughout. 

To summarize, New Beginnings on Railway Lane is a cute, sweet, and light-hearted romance with strong supporting characters and a charming setting. This works great as a standalone but will be more enjoyable if you read book one. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Boldwood Books, for the eARC. 

#NetGalley #NewBeginningsonRailwayLane

Bookshop Cinderella by Laura Lee Guhrke - Book Review

Series: Scandal at the Savoy #1 (Standalone)

Publication Date: 20th June 2023

Genre: Regency Romance 

3.7 Stars 

One Liner: Entertaining 

Maximillian Shaw, Duke of Westbourne, agrees to help his cousin Lady Delia as she rushes to Rome. This takes him to a quaint little bookshop run by Evie Harlow. However, his first visit leads to a second as the Duke wagers with his friends and needs Evie’s support to win the bet. He will turn her into a belle of the season and help her find a match. With her beauty, how hard could it be? 

Evie has since long given up her dreams to keep the bookshop running. She is infuriated by the Duke’s offer but soon ends up accepting it when a disaster strikes. It’s not easy being among the ton, but Evie enjoys it.

However, as our lead pair start to fall for each other, they may have to make a lot of decisions and overcome a few scandals to get what they want. Can they do it, though? 

The story comes in the limited third-person POV of Max, Evie, and Rory. 

My Thoughts: 

I love that beautiful cover! The gown in purple is so gorgeous. The premise is just as fun, and my hopes were rather high. 

While the Duke’s chapter starts well, Evie puts her in a not-so-appealing position. For a heroine who’s supposed to be strong, capable, and independent, her opening scene is the weakest. Thankfully, it gets better. 

The writing is easy to read. The story flows well, despite the regular shifts in POVs. Since all of them are in the third person, there’s no confusion anywhere. 

The plot is straightforward, with a bit of everything to add to the drama. That keeps the story moving ahead, and the pacing is more than decent. Though most of it is predictable, and we know who the villain is, the story is still enjoyable, with traces of humor. 

Other reviewers compared the book to She’s All That movie. Since I haven’t watched it, I could read this without any comparison or prior assumptions and enjoy it for what it is. 

There isn’t much angst, intense drama, or excessive miscommunication. This is quite a relief, as I’m bored of these tropes anyway. The banter between the characters is fun to read. They do have some chemistry, which makes things better. 

Of course, a few doubts remain, and some suspension of belief is necessary towards the end, but this is the first book in the series. So even if the next ones have other main characters, Evie and Max are likely to play minor roles and fill the gaps. Still, I wish there was an epilogue. 

To summarize, Bookshop Cinderella is a lighthearted entertainer and a great pick between heavy reads. The lovely gowns and food are a bonus. The book has 2.5ish steam (one scene). 

I’ll be sure to pick book two in the series when it’s available. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing/Forever, for the eARC.  

#NetGalley #BookshopCinderella

A Love Catastrophe by Helena Hunting - Book Review

Publication Date: 13th June 2023

Genre: Contemporary Romance 

3 Stars 

One Liner: Okayish 

Kitty Hart loves all things cat and works as a kitty whisperer, training unruly cats and caring for them. She is determined to prove that cats can be trained. 

Miles Thorn is a dog person and pretty much hates cats. However, he has to take care of his mother’s cat when she’s at the hospital. His new job is just as stressful. Not knowing what to do, Miles hires Kitty to care for Prince Francis (the cat). 

Kitty and Miles start on the wrong foot but soon realize they have a lot in common. However, they need to deal with a few issues before claiming the HEA. 

The story comes from the first-person POV of Miles and Katty. 

My Thoughts: 

I like cats and lighthearted reads, so this book seemed a great choice. Also, it’s not common to have the MC take care of cats as a profession. 

While I love cats and humor, I also prefer things to not go overboard. Kitty Hart is a cat whisperer. Yep, good. She wears leopard and cheetah prints. Well, fine. She uses weird language and terms. Erm… maybe not. The cat puns get a bit too much. I mean, she can speak normal language even though she loves cats. 

Despite the weird stuff, the book deals with important topics like losing a parent/ sibling, dementia, living in the past, etc. Some of it is well done. These discussions are the best parts of the book. 

I like awkward characters. They make stories more endearing. However, the MCs don’t really make things cute here. Some of it is, but most of it is not. But yeah, I do like that both have eyeglasses. 

Guess my issue is more with the FMC. She calls herself socially inept. Sure, she is missing a few filters, but that seems to be the case only with the MMC. Her interactions with others are quite decent, so her saying silly things felt more artificial/ forced than an integral part of her characterization. 

She is also a social media influencer, and this didn’t seem like a major deal. I was glad that we don’t all get influencer thingy. Then, for the conflict in the last section, we have exclusively social media stuff and the toxicity that comes with it. If this was the plan, I’d have preferred more references to the FMC actively posting on SM instead of others commenting about it. 

The book starts with Miles’ first-person POV. I admit it took me time to get used to his voice. Though I knew it was the POV of a male, I kept imagining the voice as that of a female. The tone just didn’t sound like a man. Throughout the book, I kept checking the chapter heads to make sure whose POV I was reading.  

Of course, I’m relieved there are no third-act breakups, misunderstandings, and dramatic reunions. There’s an epilogue too, which ties up the loose ends. And oh, the book has some steam. 

To summarize, A Love Catastrophe is a lighthearted romcom that deals with some serious topics. Check it out if you are willing to ignore the cat puns and some strange language. I heard good things about the author's works (this is my first), so maybe this is an odd one out. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing/Forever, for the eARC. 

#NetGalley #ALoveCatastrophe

***

P.P.S.: This review is also a part of the #ReadingtheMeow2023 hosted on the Literary Potpourri. This event has enough cats and more, much to the delight of cat lovers. 

How the Murder Crumbles by Debra Sennefelder - Book Review

Series: Cookie Shop Mystery #1 (Standalone)

Publication Date: 20th June 2023 

Genre: Contemporary Cozy Mystery 

3.5 Stars (for the recipes at the back) 

One Liner: Interesting premise, okayish execution 

*****

Mallory Monroe’s Cookie Shop is a bustling place in Wingate, Connecticut. She had purchased it from her late aunt (who inspired her passion to bake cookies) and revamped the interiors and menu. Life should be going good for her, but alas! 

Mallory finds her boyfriend cheating on her. The next day, she ends up having a faceoff with Beatrice Wright, aka Queen Bea (the local food blogger), about a cookie recipe. When Mallory finds Beatrice dead (murdered) in her home that night, she becomes a primary suspect. 

People cancel orders and seem more interested in gossip. Mallory decides she needs to clear her name to save her beloved Cookie Shop. However, Beatrice ruffled many feathers, and the suspect list is long. Can Mallory prove herself innocent and catch the killer? 

The story comes in Mallory’s limited third-person POV. 

My Thoughts: 

I love food cozy mysteries as they combine delicious food and murder. This one is no different and has loads of cookies, a dead body, and several suspects. The cover is super cute with a cookie bouquet, which features multiple times in the book. 

All the scenes involving cookie baking and decorating are my favorite. Unfortunately, I’m not good at both (sigh!), but I sure enjoy reading about the process.  

The mystery has an intriguing premise, with a cookie recipe as the possible cause of rift and murder. However… 

My biggest issue is with the main character, Mallory. No matter how much I tried, I couldn’t connect to her or even feel sad for her. Since the story comes from her POV (in the third person), it’s hard to enjoy her sleuthing. Never mind that she manages to antagonize almost every person she meets in the process. I know amateur sleuths are clumsy, but she takes it to the next level. Many of her interactions make me wonder how she worked in the advertising industry for so long before a shift in careers. 

As someone who enjoys this genre, I go into the first book in the series with fewer expectations. That’s because these books mostly focus on establishing the setting and characters and tend to have weaker mysteries. 

Here, there are quite a few issues with execution and character development. Except for Kip and Aspen, the rest feel artificial and one-dimensional (too many characters too). The only difference is that K & A manage to create interest despite the lack of depth. 

The chosen POV did not help. Mallory doesn’t make it easy to empathize with her. I don’t mind flawed MCs, but she isn’t engaging enough to carry the book on her shoulders. She should have been with her love for mysteries and a cat named Agatha, but nope. 

The mystery is actually well done. The red herrings are justified, and the reveal makes sense. It could have been better if the pacing was consistent instead of being clunky. 

The ending is rather cute and is immediately followed by three recipes for the most mentioned cookies in the book. Now, that’s enough for me to add 0.5 to the rating. ;) 

To summarize, How the Murder Crumbles is a fairly decent cozy mystery but could have been better with a different POV and better execution. I’ll read book two to see if things get better (I hope they do). 

Thank you, NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books, for the eARC.  

#NetGalley #HowtheMurderCrumbles

The Happy Life of Isadora Bentley by Courtney Walsh - Book Review

Publication Date: 13th June 2023

Genre: Contemporary Women’s Fiction (Not Christian Fiction) 

3.7 Stars 

One Liner: A good read (with a few issues) 

Isadora Bentley is socially awkward, reclusive, and an anxiety-driven thirty-year-old academic researcher. She deals better with data than people and wants nothing to do with anything remotely human or (even an animal). 

However, on her thirtieth birthday, Isadora makes an impulsive purchase. She buys a magazine with an article, ‘Thirty-One Ways to Be Happy’, intending to prove it wrong. Soon, her experiment opens her world to new friends and adventures Isadora wouldn’t have considered otherwise. She even meets Dr. Cal Baxter, a handsome professor (and psychologist), and helps with his research.  

As the days go on, Isadora wonders if there is indeed something about the happiness concept and maybe she can be happy if she can relax and let go of things. 

The story comes in Isadora’s first-person POV. 

My Thoughts: 

The cover is a real cutie. The artwork perfectly represents the MC. 

While the premise is intriguing, it took me time to get into the story. The MC rambles a lot and has too many internal conversations with others. I talk to myself for sure, but the MC has a Ph.D. in it. 

I am an introvert and tend to miss filters at times. But even I got annoyed by some of her actions. It seems more like an issue with execution (writing) than the characterization. 

The found family trope is well done. I love how it talks about the MC not actually hating people but that she just hasn’t found those who understand her. Finding your tribe is so very important in today’s world. 

Marty, Darby, and Delilah are my favorite characters. They are strong supporting characters and have substantial roles in the book. Delilah is an absolute darling. I like her more than the MC (of course, Delilah is ten, so it does make her my priority). 

The MC’s backstory explains her behavior a lot. Her parents, ugh! No wonder she feels so horrible and has -100 self-esteem. However, the repetition of Alex feels a little too much. Stretching the reveal isn’t necessary. The track is easy enough to guess. 

Cal is a great character, even if he seems a bit too perfect. Wouldn’t hurt to have a book boyfriend like him, though. He complements Isadora in many ways. 

Romance is not the central theme of the book. Though Isadora finds Cal very attractive (and has a lot to say about him), the actual focus is more on her finding herself and regaining her self-confidence (and unlearning a lot of assumptions). 

However, the last section has been stretched quite a bit. The MC’s reactions made me groan and say not again! Not sure if having others tell her she’s being childish and selfish helped. I started to lose interest in the plot (not a good sign). The part with Cal also drags. Some of it is necessary, yes. But not all of it! 

The last chapter is the epilogue and rounds off the plot well. It ties up the loose ends and provides the necessary details to close the book with a smile. I particularly like how the parents continue to stay in the background throughout. 

To summarize, The Happy Life of Isadora Bentley is a warm feel-good women’s fiction about self-discovery and finding her tribe to realize happiness is within her reach. 

Thank you, NetGalley and HarperCollins Publishers Australia, for the eARC. 

#NetGalley #TheHappyLifeofIsadoraBentley

***

P.S.: I’m not sure why the book is even marketed (tagged) as Christian fiction (there’s no need for it). It’s regular women’s fiction with the found family trope and a dash of romance. Some readers are disappointed by the lack of certain elements expected in that genre. 

The Benevolent Society of Ill-Mannered Ladies by Alison Goodman - Book Review

Series: The Ill-Mannered Ladies #1

Publication Date: 07th June 2023

Genre: Historical Fiction (Darkish) 

4 Stars 

One Liner: Entertaining but darker than expected

1812, England 

Lady Augusta Colebrook (Gus) and Lady Julia, her twin, are forty-two-year-old twins living in their family home. Gus is unmarried and couldn’t care less for people who think she should be demure and drab. Lady Julia is mourning her husband but shares her twin’s opinion to an extent. 

The duo takes up a task to help their beloved friend, Lady Charlotte, which leads to another rescue mission. Gus and Julia have to rescue Caroline from her violent husband. The journey puts them on a highway robber’s path, who happens to be none other than Lord Evans Belford. The man was sent to the colonies for killing a person in a duel some twenty years ago. 

As life brings more changes and developments, the twins decide to help women who get little or no support from others. Of course, they also have to deal with their own issues on the way. 

The story comes in Lady Augusta’s first-person POV. 

Don’t rely on the Goodreads blurb. 

My Thoughts: 

Despite the lighthearted cover and blurb, the book deals with some heavy themes almost throughout. Some detailed descriptions of events may not suit every reader (check trigger warnings at the end). 

Not many books from the Regency era have a 40+ FMC, and I was immediately intrigued by this. Of course, it’s also clear that Gus doesn’t act her age in many instances (the book wouldn’t be fun if she did). 

The book has not one but three different cases divided into four sections. All cases are serious and involve great danger. Gus isn’t someone who makes a perfect plan but rather likes to wing it. This means she relies a lot on luck (and Lord Evans) to come to her rescue when things go out of control. It makes sense in a way because, despite her attitude, she is still governed by societal ideas of men and women. 

Lady Julia is relatively better with caution but can be a little too annoying at times. However, she’s got a good head and knows how to use it. Together, the twins make an interesting pair. Their love for each other shines throughout the book. Other characters like Weatherly (the butler), Tilly (Gus’ lady’s maid), and Mr. Kent are impressive. 

The setting and social conditions of the period were very well done. I couldn’t help but feel enraged about so many injustices that were brushed aside by men and the ton. I sure would have loved it if Duffy (the younger brother of the twins and their family head) got shot by a highwayman. 

Themes like social classes, mistreatment of women, health problems & the cure (or the lack of it), religion (God) and belief, social restrictions, impositions, etc., form a major part of the book. The cases take us through ballrooms, parks, brothels, and madhouses, and Gus’ commentary on the conditions works well for the plot. 

There are a few lighthearted scenes, too, which prevent the content from getting too heavy. The book is entertaining in many ways but isn’t humorous or a fluffy cozy mystery. Some of it is decidedly dark and can be uncomfortable to read. Though I see the need for them, some descriptions could have been shorter. 

The author’s note is informative and gave me more insights about the book. Apparently, a couple of characters are real people. I like how she incorporated them into the plot. 

The book ends on a cliffhanger (gasp!) after 464 pages. But at least the three cases are solved. The main track will continue and hopefully be solved in the next book. I should be annoyed (and I am indeed a little miffed). But I’m also glad that the sisters get a series of their own. They sure have the potential for it. 

To summarize, The Benevolent Society of Ill-Mannered Ladies is darker than what the cover and blurb suggest but is a great start to a new series. It will make you laugh but also inspire strong emotions for the injustices women face. 

Thank you, NetGalley and HarperCollins Publishers Australia, for the eARC.  

#BenevolentSocietyOfIllmanneredLadies #NetGalley 

***

TW: Detailed description of mastectomy without anesthesia, references to pedophilia at brothel houses, abuse at the madhouse, many mentions of pee and excreta, references to incest and sexual abuse.

Kismat Connection by Ananya Devarajan - Book Review

Publication Date: 13th June 2023

Genre: Contemporary YA Romance (Indian) 

3.5 Stars (rounded up) 

One Liner: A decent debut; got its flaws but nails the rep. 

Madhuri Iyer’s senior year is full of struggles, according to her mother. Her horoscope says it, after all. But Madhuri is determined to prove things wrong. She doesn’t believe in stars and birth charts, and there’s no way she would have her happy-ever-after with her first boyfriend. 

Arjun Mehta is Madhuri’s best friend and neighbor. He believes in stars, love, and destiny and is pretty much the opposite of Madhuri. When she asks him to be her experimental boyfriend, Arjun knows he can’t say no, even if it hurts him. 

However, as Madhuri realizes her feelings for Arjun, she has to decide if she’ll admit that horoscope predictions are true or ignore everything to stick to her opinions. 

The story comes in the third person POV of Arjun and Madhuri in alternating chapters. 

My Thoughts: 

This review will have a different structure, as I have too much to say. Let’s get started with what I like. 

• Racial Bullying and Culture 

I love this book for one of the major themes it deals with- micro aggression and everyday racial bullying Indians (Hindus) face online and offline as immigrants. Things are hard for first and second-gen immigrants as they need to balance their culture and the society they live in. 

Will you be proud of your culture, or hate it for being bullied? It’s time we stopped considering our culture as the reason for bullying and lay the blame on the right place, the bully with a superiority (& inferiority) complex. 

While the book does good justice to the Indian-Hindu rep and racial bullying, it doesn’t explore the concepts in depth. Yeah, this book is for YA readers, but they are the ones who need to know how to assert themselves and stop being defensive every single time. Still, it establishes the trauma of being bullied for belonging to a different culture. 

I love the bits about Bharatanatyam and Arangetram and how the traditional dance eventually helps the MC get back to her culture. A 14-year-old I know is giving her Arangetram this month in California, so I can only hope she continues to assert her cultural identity no matter what bullies say. 

• Hindu Rep (I refuse to call it South Asian) 

I’m always wary of books by NRI authors as they tend to fall into two categories- keyboard activism or OTT stereotyping. Both rely on establishing harmful tropes about the culture, religion, and people that feed bullies. Fortunately, this book belongs to the third category that presents a more balanced view. 

Madhuri and Arjun show two ways of handling their identity in a foreign land. While Arjun decides not to care about others and be comfortable following his culture, Madhuri hates everything Indian/ Hindu because of the bullying. 

Raina is at the next level, of course. She is super comfortable in her skin and flaunts her identity with pride. Iyer parents are typical first-gen immigrants but align more with their culture (though they want the American dream for their daughters). 

The rep is easily the best part of the book. I hope the author continues to explore the impact of society and how kids learn to hate themselves and their identities because they would rather blend in with the rest. 

• Subplots and Family Dynamics 

This gives mixed results as there are elements worthy of discussion but not all of them are handled well. Arjun’s relationship with Iyer Aunty and her role as his substitute mother is wonderful. Their scenes together are easily the best in the book. 

But Arjun’s relationship with his mother or the absence of his father (divorce) pales as we get only the surface-level treatment. Though we can see Arjun’s pain of not getting his mother’s love, we don’t really know what his mother thinks. She ends up more as a plot device than a parent (which kind of suits her role). 

In quite a few places, the writing relies on an assumption that readers already know these issues so they’ll understand. While readers indeed understand the topics, they cannot form an emotional connection with the characters unless the situation is re-established in the right context. Arjun and his mother’s backstory needed more details to create an impact. 

• Characterization 

This is the weakest part of the book. The main characters are teens, and they do act like one. That’s expected. However, the reader needs to root for them. Unfortunately, it is almost impossible to like Madhuri. Arjun is a sweetheart, probably a little too good, but at least it makes sense with his abandonment issues. He would rather settle for scraps of affection from Madhuri than demand everything, as he isn’t sure he is worthy of being loved. 

TBH, I tried very hard to give Madhuri a benefit of doubt. But that girl is so mercurial (and not to mention self-centered) that I wanted to knock sense into her head multiple times. It gets difficult to support someone you don’t even like! 

I feel the issue is with execution. The idea of Madhuri and what she turned out to be in the book don’t align. She is supposed to be a coconut (borrowed from a friend) with a hard exterior and a vulnerable heart. However, most of the time, she comes across as selfish and entitled. Things get worse in Arjun’s POV as some of his mentions of Madhuri’s behavior are outright toxic. Too many red flags here (wonder how the editor missed this something this vital), and I can’t wish for them to be together. While Madhuri redeems herself in the end, the damage is done. 

However, Josie, Madhuri’s friend, is very well-etched. She’s the kind of friend one would want to have, especially when living in another country. Liam, Arjun’s friend, is good too, but there isn’t enough of him. Josie steals the show many times. This further affects Madhuri’s character arc and makes readers feel she doesn’t deserve Josie or Arjun. 

• Romance and Tropes  

The fake-dating trope is rather fun to read (when done well). Here, the foundation for the trope itself isn’t that great. Still, I wanted the romance to be more organic. It doesn’t matter if Arjun is already in love with Madhuri. The relationship can still process naturally. The whole ‘chemistry’ thingy doesn’t hit as it should. Awkward is fine as it suits the age group, but here it is wobbly and messy. 

As someone who knows how hard it is to allow characters to romance each other on paper (and not try to control them), I can empathize with the author. That’s the reason I don’t write this genre. 

Furthermore, the writing tends to be clunky, and the time jumps are hard to follow. Mine is an ARC, so I hope some of these issues will be corrected in the final copy. The STEM FMC rep is cool, though it could have been better. 

To summarize, Kismat Connection is a decent debut that handles some themes well but doesn’t deliver its best. It should work better for the target age group (hopefully). 

The author is young and has enough time to learn and strengthen her writing. I hope she works on it. Her plot is endearing and cute. The execution needs a lot more effort. (Am I being liberal with my ratings? Absolutely. It’s not often that the Indian rep in a book makes me happy.) 

Thank you, NetGalley and Inkyard Press, for the eARC.  

#NetGalley #KismatConnection 

A Botanist's Guide to Flowers and Fatality by Kate Khavari - Book Review

Series: Saffron Everleigh Mystery #2 (Standalone) 

Publication Date: 06th June 2023

Genre: Historical Cozy Mystery 

2.5 stars 

One Liner: Shows promise, doesn't deliver much 

1920s London 

Research assistant Saffron is determined to prove her worth in the male-dominated field. Life at the University of London is not easy, especially after exposing the culprits at the top. However, she is busy working on a project with Mr. Michael Lee, reporting cases of poisonings in the countryside. 

Detective Inspector Green approaches Saffron to help him with a case. Women seem to be getting murdered after receiving a bouquet of flowers with a black ribbon. Saffron delves into floriography and gets involved in the cases with Dr. Lee at her side. However, the risk is high, and Saffron has to be sure she doesn’t get her own batch of fatal flowers. 

The story comes in the limited third-person POV of Saffron and Dr. Lee. 

What I Like:

The cover design is so clever! It is not only attractive but hints at the case and is perfect for the book. 

The mystery deals with floriography. It’s interesting to learn the meaning of different flowers (apart from the regular ones). As someone who likes such stuff, the scenes decoding the bouquets are my favorite. 

The first half of the book is quite good. We see Saffron in her new position at the university and her determination to prove her worth in a male-dominated field. 

Elizabeth is right in her element and easily gets more points than all other characters in the book (including Saffron). 

The mystery starts strong and has several elements that could have made it a great case. However… 

What Could Have Been Better for Me:

First, the mystery, though solved successfully, doesn’t end up as the main part of the book. Apart from a couple of loose ends (possibly kept as recurring characters for the coming books), the actual case somehow manages to be less appealing than it should be. 

Second, I don’t like it when one character’s arc is sacrificed to suit another character's actions. This happens quite often in retellings. Here, Ashton’s character is sacrificed to create the love triangle and make Saffron appear blameless. Not only does he come in the last quarter of the book, but also acts differently from book one. 

Third, I’m not a fan of love triangles. In most cases, we don’t even need them. It’s the same here. Saffron and Lee could have been frenemies, and the plot would have been smoother and sustained its focus on strengthening the mystery. Two people working together don’t always have to be attracted to each other.  

Fourth, Saffron says she has changed (says it more than once). Unfortunately, I can’t really see it. She’s just as impulsive and jumping into dangerous situations because she wants to. Feminism and all that is of no use if she gets killed because of her recklessness and disregard for her safety. 

Fifth, the plot would appeal differently to readers who read book one and those who didn’t. I don’t think that’s how we make readers root of either love interest. If the ending is any indication, I don’t really see the need for all that triangle. Let’s be honest. Saffron really needs to grow up and be sensible. 

Sixth, the two scenes with misogyny feel like mandatory insertions rather than necessity. This was very well handled in book one. In fact, despite a few issues, book one was a lot better than book two. 

To summarize, A Botanist's Guide to Flowers and Fatality could have been a great entertainer but ended up pretty mediocre for trying to include unwanted elements. I’ll read book three (I really want to) as it hints at Ashton’s life and could be his chance to start healing from the PTSD of war. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books, for the eARC. 

#NetGalley #ABotanistsGuidetoFlowersandFatality

Mortal Follies by Alexis Hall - Book Review

Publication Date: 06th June 2023

Genre: Regency Sapphic Romance, Fantasy 

3.3 Stars 

One Liner: Got its moments but a mixed read 

1814

Maelys Mitchelmore is cursed. Her entry into the highest Bath society puts her in dangerous situations, though she is rescued by the Duke of Annadale, aka Lady Georgiana. Lady G has quite a reputation as a witch and a murderess. 

However, as the threat mounts, Maelys and Lady G must have to work together to find the person responsible for it and break the curse. This proximity also creates some issues, which Maelys seems to like even if Lady G doesn’t. 

Can the duo sort out the threats and rumors to find their happy-ever-after? 

The story comes in the first-person POV of Robin, a hobgoblin who follows Maelys Mitchelmore to write her story. 

My Thoughts: 

How you like this book depends on how much you like the narrator. Robin is the peeping tom who loves to tell stories and ramble. He (it?) also likes to control the narrative, meaning you will not know some details because revealing them would ruin the art of storytelling. Initially, I loved the idea and enjoyed it. But as the story progressed, I skimmed through Robin’s ramblings and focused only on the main story. 

My favorite parts of the book are the scenes with Mae, Lizzie, and John. They are such varied personalities that their banter and bickering end up like a cocktail experiment. They are great fun, though. Lizzie Bickle is the kind of friend you’d shudder to have but will appreciate when someone else does. She is my favorite character in the book. 

While the setting is interesting, with a blend of snobbish ton and references to witches, nymphs, faeries, etc., the detailing is overdone in quite a few instances and not enough in some places. Combined with the narrator’s opinions on just about everything, it can be super entertaining or annoying (the latter for me). Also, this is a book where you go with the flow and do not wonder about why, what, how, and when of things. 

This is a romance book with some steam (not much, as the narrator tries to be decent). I liked some parts but found most of it a little too melodramatic. I’m half convinced it’s a funny take on the ton’s love for excessive drama. If it’s not, it’s better to rely on your speed-reading skills. 

The plot, as such, is pretty basic and thin. The curse is solved by the halfway point, and the remaining is about Mae and Lady G’s relationship (if we can call it that). It feels more like Mae hounding Lady G, who acts like an alpha male with blocked emotions. I was waiting to see beyond her façade (after all, she hasn’t had it easy), but there isn’t much scope for character development. 

My biggest issue is how the romance and the main characters were handled. That made the whole thing awkward and even one-sided. While I understand the reason for her actions, there isn’t enough emotion to make an impact. I’m all for lighthearted reads, but this one stresses the wrong issues and ignores the important ones. The plot needs better structuring and pacing to allow readers to understand the motivations behind the characters’ actions. 

We also have a few subplots of sorts that go nowhere. John Ceaser’s personal track, the villainous uncle, the missing person, etc., are left with no resolution. Saying the narrator isn’t interested in them doesn’t make the book any better, IMO. It’s taking the easiest route to finishing the manuscript (unless the author intends to turn this into a series).

The book could have been at least 75 pages smaller. Enjoy the first half, skim through 35% of the second half, and see how the remaining goes for you. It almost feels like two books combined together. 

To summarize, Mortal Follies is a lighthearted dramatic-sounding regency Sapphic romance with fantasy elements. It’s easy and enjoyable if you don’t use your grey cells. Get into it with the right expectations. 

Thank you, NetGalley, Random House Publishing Group- Ballantine, and Del Rey, for the eARC. 

#NetGalley #MortalFollies 

***

TW: The book has scenes of animal sacrifice. 

Gobi Goes Viral by Vibha Batra - Book Review

Gobi Goes Viral by Vibha Batra, Shamika Chaves (Illustrator)

Publication Date: 30th April 2023

Genre: Middle Grade Fiction 

4.3 Stars 

One Liner: Entertaining (chota packet bada dhamaka)

Gopi loves studying at Primrose Academy. But the fee is high, and bullies are annoying. Nevertheless, he would rather struggle here than go back to a school with no learning opportunities. But how? 

Pari is a smart girl who knows how to handle bullies. Yet, she can help Gopi only to a certain point, and that’s what she does. Pari convinces Gopi to participate in the Talent Show and flaunt his rapping skills. But can he set aside his fears to get on the stage? How will it affect his stay at Primrose Academy? 

The story comes in Gopi’s third-person POV. 

My Thoughts:

This is a short and humorous book that seamlessly blends many themes and keeps the content relevant for young minds to understand. 

Those who enjoy the flair of Bwood will love the book for its natural dramatization and antics. However, nothing goes over the line or feels excessive. The book doesn’t intend to do more than what it promises. This story is about a poor boy dreaming bigger and finding the courage to make it happen with the help of a good friend. 

The writing is lighthearted but with enough seriousness when necessary. It feels like conversing with a child (exactly how a children’s book should read). The descriptions are to the point but easy to visualize. Of course, it helps that we already know the setting, be it a posh school, a chawl, or a luxury villa. 

The plot is quite common and used in countless books/ TV shows/ movies/ etc. However, it’s the writing and execution that brighten it up. I don’t enjoy rap (sorry, Ho Ho Funny Singh). So, it’s a pleasant surprise to read it on paper and try to mimic it in the mind. Got to admit that Gopi does it better than those-who-shall-not-be-named. 

The book is primarily marketed in India (I think). There’s no glossary for non-English words. There’s a good sprinkling of Hindi, etc., but it shouldn’t be too hard to figure out. Most of the terms are used for relations. 

While I love Gopi’s character arc and his family (no alcoholic or abusive father here, phew!), I wish we get a little more insight into Pari’s life. She is rich, clever, confident, friendly, and someone used to get this done her way. Except for the story behind her sunglasses, most of her arc is stereotypical. The same goes for the bullies, though we know nothing about them. Even if Gopi is the main character, side characters with a little more depth would have helped. 

Seeti is a great character, and I wish he had a greater presence in the book. He shines in a couple of scenes he’s allotted. That kid knows how to handle life. 

Naturally, we have a happy ending, but with a wee twist. It blends reality and hope (and such events have indeed happened in real life) and ends on a high with Gopi rapping yet another delightful poem. 

There are a few black-and-white illustrations to support the content. I like how they enhance the narrative without distracting the reader. My personal preference aside (I like whimsical and detailed illustrations), the ones in the book are perfect for the story. They are lighthearted and cute, just like the main characters. 

What I love about the physical copy is the font size. The print is nice and big, easy for kids and seniors to read without squinting at the page. The cover is vibrant and cool, hinting at all major aspects of the book. 

And oh, don’t miss the acknowledgments page! It’s too good. I wish there was an author’s note too. I love reading about the inspirations and ideas behind a book. 

To summarize, Gobi Goes Viral is a compact little book dealing with bullying, financial issues, the importance of having supportive friends, and knowing that courage can make things happen. You just have to believe in it and do your best! 

Thank you, Blogchatter and Vibha Batra, for a copy of the book. This review is powered by Blogchatter Book Review Program and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

You can buy the paperback of Gobi Goes Viral on Amazon. The book is marketed for children from the 8 to 12 age group, though anyone can read it (and enjoy it too). 

The Modern Girl's Guide to Magic by Linsey Hall - Book Reviews

Series: Charming Cover #1 (Standalone)

Publication Date: 02nd June 2023

Genre: Contemporary Paranormal Romance 

3.8 Stars 

One Liner: Lighthearted and fun 

*****

Aria is a magical disaster. She’s a witch but cannot control her magic, putting her in complex situations. She does her best to avoid using her magic but ends up messing things up anyway. When Aria’s granny asks her to come back home to Charming Cove to participate in a competition, Aria is sure she’ll fail. 

However, she has to win the competition to save their shop, Seaside Spells. If only her magic would cooperate. Of course, things get annoying when Callan Hawthrone is back in the town and a fellow competitor. She hates this rich guy, even if it is not always ‘hate’.  

Can Aria learn to control her magic, win the competition, and maybe find her HEA?

The story comes in the first-person POV of Aria (more %) and Callan. 

My Thoughts: 

After my previous read, I wanted something light and enjoyable. I couldn’t have picked a better book. This is sweet, lighthearted, entertaining, and fun. There’s nothing intense about the book, so go into it with the right expectations. 

The small town setting is magical and beautiful. Witches are common here, and people have varying degrees of magical powers. Though we don’t meet a lot of the townfolk, those we come across are supportive and friendly (except for a mandatory person). 

The book deals with topics like bullying, loss, self-worth, finding oneself, and love. However, almost everything is on the surface level. This is an advantage and a disadvantage. Only Aria trying to overcome her insecurities and understanding her magic is detailed.  

There’s a sort of enemies-to-lovers trope, but it’s resolved too easily and is based on a weak misunderstanding, so it doesn’t really count. Callan is a sweet guy and easy to like. 

The supporting characters, Gran, Tabhata, and Catrina are a treat to read. Catrina is my super favorite. Who doesn’t like a confident seven-year-old witch in two pigtails? I love this little girl. 

My favorite part of the book is when Aria understands her magic and learns to work with it. The concept is so simple yet poignant. It aligns with the indigenous way of life, where people co-exist in harmony with nature. 

The climax has some action but is resolved quickly enough to not feel boring. The ending has HEA of sorts, though we’ll see more of it in the coming books. 

I’m not sure about Callan’s first-person POV. He has a few chapters, but I found it confusing to distinguish between his voice and hers. A limited third-person would have been better for him. 

Though I wanted a lighter book, I still wish this one went a little deep to explore the character’s emotions. I couldn’t connect with the characters despite liking them. Things were a little too superficial. 

However, the pacing is steady (surprising since Aria tends to ramble), and something or the other is always happening to keep the story moving. 

Boris the Badger is fun (must say, authors are coming up with creative witch familiars), though I hope his arc won’t be restricted to eating, sleeping, and a few one-liners. The pinklings are cute, and I’d like to meet them again! 

I like the fantasy elements and magic system in this one. While it’s not fully explained, I have an idea of how it works. Hoping the elements will be explored in detail in the coming books. 

To summarize, The Modern Girl's Guide to Magic is a cozy, sweet, and simple witchy story set with a small-town feel. Grab it if you want a breather from heavy reads. There’s a mini mild steamy scene (just 2-3 paras). 

Thank you, NetGalley and Bonnie Doon Press, for the eARC.  

#NetGalley #TheModernGirlsGuidetoMagic