BOOK REVIEW: AMONGST THE BELIEVERS

Title: AMONGST THE BELIEVERS

Genre: Contemporary Fiction, Thriller

Page Count: 290

Author: Kochery C. Shibu

Publisher: Mishan Design Point Pvt Ltd

Publication Date: 2024

BOOK BLURB (as on book) :

Amongst the Believers, another masterpiece from the best-selling and award-winning author of “Men and Dreams in the Dhauladhar” and “Faith and the Beloved.” The novel is a saga of love, set against the backdrop of war-torn Afghanistan and Ukraine.

Nanda is an accused in a murder case, and the lives of his dear ones are in danger. He is given an option to join RAW on a mysterious mission and penetrate the elite society of Pakistan. A choice that forces him to create a family only to destroy it.

Khusru is a terrorist who has fallen out with his handlers, the ISI, and is on the run. Caught in the vicious gang wars of Karachi, he is to escort the warlord’s daughter Miriam to Bosnia. A journey that takes him to Iran, Armenia, and the prisons of Russia.

Rekha has choreographed her life in the captivity of a terrorist as a dance drama. Even after marriage and two children, her obsession with Khusru knows no bounds. She is kidnapped and ends up as a sex slave to the teenage terrorists in war-torn Afghanistan.

A ruse that led America to invade Iraq and a mysterious video of an Army officer directing the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks that could change the course of history are being chased by the ISI, Mossad, CIA, Russians, and the RAW. The lives of Nanda, Khusru, and Rekha are entangled in this international web of espionage.

A journey through the unknown, a saga of love, espionage, and suspense that will keep you riveted.

MY REVIEW:

I received the copy from the Author to review the book. I choose this kind of GENRE because it is a political action thriller.

The story involves the lives of three different people from different backgrounds with their own missions and the way they intertwined in an untangled web of politics and intelligence.

It is a gripping story that you keep turning the page until you get to know what happened next. Is Khusru successful in escorting the warlord's daughter? Does Rekha succeed in finding Khusru? How did she turn in sex slaves? Nanda, a murderer, is able to solve the case? Save the life of his family?

The characters are complex and multifaceted. The narration shows how this character deals with their fear and desire and struggles with moral dilemmas.

I like each character. Especially Khusru. I wonder how this normal teen becomes a terrorist. What kind of life they choose and how it ended. I want to say this terrorist also has a good heart, and I feel he is the HERO in this novel.

Rekha being a doctor, married with two kids, and her obsession with Khusru is weird and heart aching. But love is blind and have no end.

The minute details of the geopolitical scenario give a realistic touch to the story. The author's writing reflects his technical knowledge and army background as well as human emotions with complex backdrops.

I like the way each chapter ends with the beautiful quotes that resemble the whole saga.

Some of my favorite quotes are:

When you leave me in the grave, don't say goodbye; remember the grave is the only curtain for the paradise behind.

You've come to know the fortunate and the in auspicious stars, but you don't know whether you yourself are fortunate or lucky.

And ever has it been known that love knows not its own depth until the hours of separation.

At the end of my life, with just one breath left, if you come, I'll sit up and sing.

Believe in love's infinite journey, for it is your own, for you are love. Love is life.

DRAWBACKS :

The story is fast-paced. Some chapters are going at a speed that I find difficult to match with pace.

And some chapters are explained in such way that you can witnessed the exact scenario.

Where as in some places tiny description of each plot, excessive cultural description, unnecessary geographical details and frequent shifts of location make a loss of interest.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Kochery C. Shibu, the bestselling and award-winning author of ‘Men and Dreams in the Dhauladhar’ and ‘Faith and the Beloved,’

He is a graduate of the prestigious National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla. He has served in the Indian Navy and commanded two warships.

Amongst the Believers’ , suspense thriller, is his third book. A passionate and committed writer, Shibu creates a magical world of fiction built around a well-researched background.

MY RATING

For Book Cover: 3/5

Rating: 4/5

Buy Books: here

FINAL THOUGHTS:

Amongst the Believers is a well-written, action-packed thriller novel with rich character development and an intriguing plot that captivates readers. Author Shibu's writing is proactive. Though the story is complex, like RAW, terrorism, and survival of each character, he made the story flow easily by using simple language. The book takes you into the dark world of intelligence. Dive in to this action packed thriller.

Related Reading: The book review of Silk Route Spy 

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Question of the day 

Do you like to read action packed thriller?Have you read the book Amongst The Believer? 

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11 TIPS TO HAVE SAFE HOLI WITH KIDS

HAPPY HOLI 2025 EVERY ONE ( in advance)

HOLI is the festival of colors. Everyone loves to play Holi because it brings happiness and more masti. I love to play Holi, but when your toddlers or kids want to celebrate this Holi festival with you, Mommy, you need to take a lot of precautions.

WHY?

Because Holi is a festival of colors where people throw gulal powder on everyone. Mostly they apply color on your face. And if the kids are there, then chances are more kids get infected or hurt. You have to prepare your kids beforehand.

Related :  Holi Puranpoli Chronicles 

How?

The evening before Holi, there is Holika Dahan. Take your kids to this celebration and educate them about Holi. 

Also tell them that in the morning everyone is going to play Holi. They will apply color, and you can use pichakari to throw water and color water on your friends. But if you do not follow rules, then you will get hurt.

So what are the RULES every kid must follow?

RULES: 

🌻Close your eyes and mouth whenever any person applies color.

🌻Do not run when someone is trying to throw color on you.

🌻Instead, stand there, close your eyes and mouth, and let them apply color, and then you too apply it to them.

🌻Do not drink water from the pichakari or water tubs or from any other bottle.

🌻Do not eat food that is open and specially made for adults.

🌻Always be with your kids friend group and in front of parents.

🌻Do not talk or play with strangers.

These are the rules should follow by the small kids but parents need to take more precautions. Sharing 11 tips that will be helpful to parents to have a happy holi. 

11 TIPS FOR PARENTS TO HAVE A HAPPY HOLI WITH KIDS: 

1. Wear full clothes, preferably old clothes.

2. Apply coconut oil in hair and moisturizer on skin.

3. Tie the hair of the girl's kids so that she can play without any hair problems.

4. Use natural color as much as possible.

5. Always be with your kids for safety.

6. Keep in contact number of doctors and ambulance handy in case of emergency.

7. Carry a water bottle for your kids. So that they can be hydrated.

8. Do not allow them to drink cold water or juice.

9. Allow a particular time in which they have to play and within the area.

10. Get the googles. It is important to protect the eye.

11. Make sure your child has enough breakfast and is well-hydrated.

CONCLUSION: 

Holi is one of the most favourite festival of all - kids, adults and even older people too. With extra care you can enjoy the Holi without any accidents. I hope this tips are useful to you all. 

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Question of the day

Do you like Holi ? Share your experience and valuable tips for Holi? 

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This blog post is part of ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla.

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10 FAVOURITE BOOKS I READ IN 2024

This is a long post so grab your coffee and then read. I wanted to publish this post in January the first week but somehow it delayed. I guess reading is always easy, but documentation is quite tough. 

2024 is the year  where I achieved my reading goal. Reading makes me happy and actually it is a stress buster for me. I never keep any record so this time I decided to write my favourite books I read in 2024 which may be helpful for you too.

10 FAVOURITE BOOKS I READ IN 2024

1. POSITIVE PARENTING by REBECCA EANES: 

GENRE: Parenting 

RATING: 5/5

This is one of the best books I have ever read. Actually, I don't believe that books teach us about parenting. But I learned the psychology of children. It stresses more on how to behave with your partner and kids. Eanes shares her hard-won wisdom for overcoming limiting thought patterns and recognizing emotional triggers, as well as advice for connecting with kids at each stage, from infancy to adolescence. This is one of the books every parent reads who are struggling to connect with their kids.

2. NO DRAMA DISCIPLINE BY DR. DANIEL 

GENRE: Psychology/Parenting 

RATING: 4/5

No-Drama Discipline provides an effective, compassionate road map for dealing with tantrums, tensions, and tears—without causing a scene.

 I like the way the author uses everyday situations to show the parents how it can be handled. Moreover, it is emphasized on the child's brain. The kids behavior is dependent on the working of the child's brain. That is most insightful for me as a parent.

3) SITA: WARRIOR OF MITHILA—BY AMISH 

GENRE: Historical 

RATING: 4.5/5

This is the second book in the Ram Chandra Series. A sequel that takes you back. Thrilling adventure that chronicles the rise of an orphan who became the prime minister. And then, a goddess before the beginning.

Ramayan has a special place in my heart because of my father. He told me a different story that is not shown in any of the epics. And Amish did the same job. His writing style is so simple and intriguing. I always wonder, who is SITA? The great warrior and intelligent princess. Amish changed my whole perspective to see the SITA. 

4. HARRY POTTER 2 : SECRET OF CHAMBER BY J. K. ROWLING 

GENRE: Fantasy/Fiction 

RATING: 5/5

Harry Potter's summer has included the worst birthday ever, doomy warnings from a house-elf called Dobby, and rescue from the Dursleys by his friend Ron Weasley in a magical flying car! Back at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry for his second year, Harry hears strange whispers echo through empty corridors - and then the attacks start. Students are found as though turned to stone.

This book is more fascinating, especially the fight between Harry and the giant snake.

5. HARRY POTTER 3 (THE PRISONER OF AZKABAN by J. K. ROLLING) 

GENRE : Fantasy/Fiction 

RATING: 5/5

I love this book because finally he found his godfather. Harry and Hermione time travel, and Dumbledore's attempt to save the lives of innocent people is admirable. 

Some thrilling moments are like Harry's first ever Divination class, where Professor Trelawney sees an omen of death in Harry's tea leaves. But perhaps most terrifying of all are the Dementors patrolling the school grounds with their soul-sucking kiss. That is the most horrible thing I read. 

This book is for everyone. I will suggest first you read the book because your imagination works terrific and then watch the movie it will be more thrilling. 

6. BLUE UMBRELLA by RUSKIN BOND

GENRE: Fiction/Children 

RATING: 4.5/5

This is the first ever book I listened to on audiobook. I love the narrator and am so able to listen to it. Otherwise, my earlier attempt at the audiobook had failed. I put it on speaker so that my kids also enjoyed the book. 

The story of little Biniya and her village members. In exchange for her lucky leopard's claw pendant, Binya acquires a beautiful blue umbrella that makes her the envy of everyone in the village, especially Ram Bharosa, the shopkeeper. 

This story inspired children not to be greedy. Best book for adults as well as for children.

7. THE GREAT TRAIN JOURNEY By RUSKIN BOND: 

Genre: Fiction 

Rating: 4/5

I like these books because they are all about train journeys, which are my favorite. 

Ruskin BOND always loves to travel by train to admire the beauty of India's diverse landscape. The Great Train Journey is a story of a boy who travels from Dehradun to Delhi. The main highlight of the story is the people he meets during his journey. The collection of 14 short stories consists of comedy, thriller, and adventure.

8. FALLING IN LOVE BY RUSKIN BOND 

Genre: Romance

Rating: 3.5/5

It is a collection of short stories mainly concerned with Ruskin Bond's emotions. I like the book because some parts are real stories of Ruskin Bond's life. The story is easy to read—simple language and romantic. This book has other stories also, which are the part of other books of Ruskin Bond.

9. YOU ARE MY BEST FRIEND by AJAY PANDEY 

Genre: Non fiction 

Rating: 4.5/5 

Ajay is a sad person who did not find any interest in living a life after her wife's death. At his office mate's request, he was ready to attend therapy, where he met Bhawana... How she interacted with him and changed him is impressive. It is like you have a friend with whom you just sit and talk. But she was his best friend in every aspect. 

10. HER LAST WISH by AJAY PANDEY 

Genre : Non Fiction 

Rating: 4/5

Ajay's wife is HIV positive and is going to die in 6 months. Ajay tried every possible way to save her, and he also wanted to fulfill her wish. That wish she actually wrote when she was fully drunk. But still, how an introverted husband fulfills his wife's every wish, which was almost impossible for him. The story covers the perspective point of the husband, and it also has a point of view of closely connected people. All in all, I will say the story is filled with love, trust, emotions, and respect. 

Marathi Books Recommendation for toddlers 

Favourite Books for 7 to 10 years 

CONCLUSION : 

I was avid readers. Since my twins born I hardly got any time to read. Year 2024 where I decided to start my reading journey and yes, I achieved. I found two new genre and also two new platforms of reading - Audiobook and Kindle. But honestly I love to read physical book - to stay away from screen. 

Question of the day 

Do you set any reading goal for the year? Have you read any one book from the above list? 

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SOLO DATE IDEAS FOR MOMS

Things I Want to Do with Myself—Solo Date

I am a mom, and after reaching 40, I recognize the true meaning of "LOVE." Acceptance and compromise is the new love language we moms learned very well. Education, career, marriage, and then kids...our life is a roller coaster, and how often do we love ourselves?

Very little time! I think we realize the value of self-love at this age only. Where we assume we are settled 🤞 in technical words, but actually still struggling, and we convince our mind that it is okay!

It happened to me too. After struggling, crying, and laughing with kids, I realized there are many things that I always wanted to do, and I always tell myself... Ohh...it's okay...will do it next time. And next time never came. So this year I decided to create a bucket list and stick it to my wardrobe. My goal is to tick out as much as possible.

SOLO DATE IDEAS FOR MOMS

We all have many things in our minds that we didn't achieve due to the "mommy" circumstances. So if you are a mom or woman, please do consider this FEBRUARY month as a SELF LOVE month and date with yourself.

1) GO TO THE BEACH:

Yes. I always find calmness at the beach. But now I wanted to go alone all by myself. To walk on the sand barefoot. Play with waves. Sit at bay and watch the sunrise and observe what the sea, sand, and sun are trying to tell.

2) LIBRARY VISIT:

If you are a book nerd, then I am sure you must have your favorite library. I want to spend a whole day reading and learning in a pin-drop silence atmosphere.

Book Review  of SILK ROUTE SPY 

Favourite books - 7 to 10 years old

3) SPA

Yeah...you might have been at SPA, but I am not yet. I want to give this spa a treat for myself. I want to feel that "SPA SESSION."

4) SIP and PAINT PARTY:

I saw these sip and paint parties many times. People are sitting with canvas, color, and drink, and the coach is there to guide them. I want to attend this paint party.

Moms, do you love paintings or you wanted to do it since your childhood and couldn't get the chance. Then book your session with this kind of sip and paint party and enjoy this solo date.

5) SOLO TRAVELING IN HIMALAYA:

I love Himachal, especially for the mountains and cool breeze, rivers, and, of course, pahadi food. I want to explore this place all by myself. I have been here with family, but all I want to do is travel all by myself and have a thrilling experience.

Check out this Beauty of Kashmir 

6) SOLO SHOPPING AT MALLS:

We moms always shop for our kids and often visit malls with our kids. But I really want to go alone and shop peacefully. No cranky kiddo, no picking up, nothing. Just me and my shopping.

7) MEDITATION AT GARDEN:

Moms, you can do this meditation at your society garden early in the morning or else join yourself with a meditation group.

We mom always wanted to do meditation, but with kids, it is almost impossible until your kids become 10 years old. I wanted to attend that meditation class, which is conducted in the garden. With greenery and peace, I want to connect myself with my soul.

8) WANT TO DECORATE A PINTEREST FRIENDLY HOME OFFICE:

Moms, you can decorate your home office the way you want. Any pending wishlist with this office—it is time to complete this.

Yes! This is my long-pending list, which I want to do solely. My desk sometimes looks like a dumping station of our house. I want to have dedicated office space, which I decorate with all Pinterest-friendly aesthetic decor items.

9) SELF - CARE ROUTINE: 

As a mom or wife, I literally forgot to take care of myself. My hair, my face, and my skin were constantly staring at me, and I ignored them like a pro. 😐

If you are in the same boat, then please take out time at least once a week and take care of your hair, skin, and nails.

10) VISIT A CAFE WITH SUNFLOWER BOUQUET :

I love flowers. But since I became a mom, I forgot these things. I tend to avoid bring anything like this, which will be broken in a few hours 😞 by kids.

But if your kids are grown up, you can visit a beautiful flower shop and buy a customized flower bouquet for yourself. Don't wait for your husband to bring it for you. Do it by yourself and see the magic.

18 fun love date ideas to keep your marriage fresh 

There are many things that are practically possible to do as a mom for our solo date.

• Take yourself to the movies.
• Visit the park and observe the people.
• Visit your favorite bookstore.
• Paint your nails the way you want.
• Take away your favorite food and watch Netflix for hours on the couch.
• Go for an evening walk.
• Do some painting/crocheting/threading work that you learned at school.
• Treat yourself at an ice cream shop.
• Take yourself to watch plays.
• Enjoy rides at Essel World or Imagica.
• Create a vision board.
• Learn sketching or calligraphy.
• Do yoga.

I hope you like all the solo date ideas. Mark it on the calendar.  Start picking at least one for a month and have a lovely date with yourself. Love yourself, then only you can love your family.

Question of the day

Have you been on a solo date? Share the experience?

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This blog post is part of ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla.

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MARATHI POEMS

21st February was declared International Mother Language Day by UNESCO. I am Maharashtrian, and my mother tongue is Marathi. I am participating in this blog hop where I can share about my MARATHI and some Marathi Poems.

Yes. मी मराठी. 

There are around 140 million people who are Marathi speakers. Nowadays, due to social media, most of the celebrities are pushing to talk in Marathi. And I think that is quite good. Otherwise people use mixture of language (half english - half hindi and half marathi) Yes, there are some apps for marathi stories and kadambari but very few which give quality literature. Nothing beats the Marathi Legends litrature work.

THINGS  I DISCOVER ABOUT MY MARATHI

I was surprised to see the status of MY Marathi language until I researched for this blog post.

"Marathi is the language of the Indo-European languages family."

"Marathi is one of the 22 official languages in India."

"Marathi is the tenth most spoken language in the world and the third most spoken language in India."

Okay. It is all about MARATHI. 

From school life, my favorite poet was Shanta Shelke. 

Shanta Shelke was an Indian Poet and Writer in Marathi language. Her work involved poems, stories, composition, translation and children literature. 

Though I didn't understand anything at that time, now as a woman I can understand and relate to every word of her poem. Sharing some of my personal favorite treasures of Shanta Shelke. Trying to translate it in English, not exactly, but yes, nearby.

What is the birth time of flowers?

When the buds are blooming

Or when the petals are falling,

Looking at the vast blue sky

or mixing with the soil below?

Marathi blog post : Marathi Corner

2) झाड ( TREE)

This is one tree that is related to me.

A single breeze passes over it and me.

I like the smell of its flowers.

Can sense the moist illusion.

Places the infant song

At first when it blossomed,

The tree is made from the soil; 

I belong to the tree, and 

then I will end up in the soil.

The lines on the leaves are on my palm.

The roots of the tree become loose.

And the tree is rooted in my blood.

Someday, I will be the tree.

And sing the familiar song 

through the leaves.

3) आठवण ( MEMORIES) 

Sometimes memory is hidden in the close compartment of the heart.

Sometimes memory is hidden in the spring flowers.

Sometimes memory is hidden in the bottom of the blue ocean.

Sometimes it is hidden in the blossom of Chaitra months.

And the breath is moving all around them like a thick, moist fog.

And from this the smell of memories is spreading like cherry blossom.

4)  शोध  (SHODHA)

As the outer realm is shrinking 

As the inner unknown realm is being explored,

And I realized I am unknown to myself.

I don't know my strength, my weakness, or my cowardice; 

constantly surrounded me and my quarrels with myself.

My loneliness in my closed company,

Unable to understand anything,

Only unbearable suffocating in the vast.

I am unfolding inside,

Expanding moment by moment,

Reaching the corner of the inner being,

And with that I am amazed, excited, hurt, and happy.

FINAL THOUGHTS:

Every Maharashtrian knows Shanta Shelke and her poems, and I wanted to introduce them to the non-Maharashtrian people. Hope you all liked it.

 

Reading this poem in Marathi hits differently, but translating it into English is quite difficult. I am glad that I shared it with you all, the Great Shanta Shelke poems. This is my small attempt to introduce one-fourth part of my Marathi literature to you all. 

Question of the day

Which poem touches your heart? Have you read Shanta Shelke poems earlier?

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Reference : Wikipedia and Google.

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This post is a part of ‘Embrace the Native Blog Hop’ hosted by Manali Desai and Sukaina Majeed under #EveryConversationMatters

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