Book Review: A Hundred Little Flames by Preeti Shenoy

Book: A Hundred Little Flames
Author: Preeti Shenoy
Genre: Fiction
Price: Rs. 150

Synopsis:
Ayan, 26 year old Mechanical Engineer, is at his wit's end when he loses his job overnight and has to face the wrath of his condescending father. He has been asked to pack his bags and shift to his paternal home in a village in Kerala to look after his ailing Grandfather. Gopal Shankar, in his eighties and suffering from a fractured leg, is very much pleased to have his grandson for company. 

Much to his surprise, Ayan finds the quaint yet under-developed village; Poongavanam, interesting and he bonds with his grandfather effortlessly. However, Ayan's Dad has some other plans in mind when he gives them an unannounced visit. Long lost secrets and desires are revealed when Ayan reads his Grandfather's personal diary entries and goes on a mission to reunite something that was meant to be together. 

FASTag - What? Why? Where? and How?

You are probably hearing a lot about FASTag recently! You will probably be hearing more in the coming days!

My FASTag from Paytm

So, here is everything you wanted to know about FASTag!

What?
FASTag is an Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) system operated by NHAI. It is a small rectangular RFID based device that you will have to purchase and stick on the front windshield of your vehicle.

It auto-deducts the toll amount from your account when you pass through a toll rather than your having to stop and pay for it by cash, card or e-wallets.

Book Review: Immortal India by Amish

Book: Immortal India
Author: Amish 
Genre: Non-Fiction
No. of Pages: ~200 

The first non-fiction from the man who brought us the mythological genius that is the Shiva Trilogy - Immortal India, is a collection of his newspaper articles, talks, and debates. 

Divided into four sections - Religion and Mythology, Social Issues, History and Musings, this collection is a joy to read for anyone interested in Hindu Mythology and Indian History.

#NanoDiaries - Bengaluru - Gandikota - Belum - Bengaluru

Trip from Bengaluru to Gandikota and Belum

This one was long pending. Pending since one of our friends shared an article about Belum Caves on FB and it was love at first sight. 

Now, some very close friends were coming down from Kerala for a visit and they too agreed that instead of the usual pub-hopping, we had to do something different this time!

And that's how, we visited two of the most beautiful places that we have ever been to.

Of Manga, Comics, and Graphic Novels!

I have always been into comics. 

Who hasn't! 

Tinkle Digest and Amar Chitra Katha were my go to books on those long train journeys to and from Madras and Trivandrum during Summer Holidays. And during those vacations, my little cousin would read me stories from the amazing Balarama magazine.

And then, teenage happened, and I spent more time with Archie, Jughead, Betty, and Veronica. But still, comics were a major part of my daily life.

And then, it all stopped. 

It was not until April 2011, that I was reintroduced to comics (now in the form of Graphic Novels) through Hush! That was a completely new experience. But, all that excitement died down soon enough too.

We are a generation spoiled by too much of TV Shows! Don't get me wrong - they are awesome! But they take up too much of our time! One such show I was watching was The Walking Dead. I was hooked to it. And just so that I could find out what happened next on the show before it aired, I picked up Volume 1 of the comics. I blame Robert Kirkman for everything that happened after...

Book Review: The Rise of Sivagami by Anand Neelakantan

Book: The Rise of Sivagami (Baahubali: Before the Beginning #1)
Author: Anand Neelakantan 
Genre: Fantasy Mythology
No. of Pages: ~500 

Introduction: Chances are that if you are living in 2017 (even if you have been living under a rock!) that you have heard of S. S. Rajamouli's Baahubali. The movie made more than a ton of money and has now grown into a huge franchise with 2 Movies, 3 Novels, Graphic Novel, Animated Series, Mobile Games, and Merchandise. You've got to take a look at its website to get an idea on how big it has become.

I did enjoy both the movies (the Conclusion more than the Beginning) and the Graphic Novel - So I jumped at the opportunity when Westland Publishers got in touch with me. And, am I glad I did!

Book Review: White Collar Blackmail by Peter Ralph

Book: White Collar Blackmail
Author: Peter Ralph
Genre: Thriller
No. of Pages: ~300

Introduction:
Peter Ralph is a Chartered Accountant and a Share Trader and has specialised in Corporate Recoveries and Business Litigation. And therefore, much like how John Grisham's stories are about the Law and Ravi Subramaniam's are about Banking, Peter's are mostly around Business Law.

And they are also more than just that! There are a mixed bag of Fraud, Violence, Corruption, Blackmail, and even the Mafia - of the right doses to keep the story fast-paced and gripping.