June, Monsoon and Novels..

Imagine a balcony, a comfortable chair, an interesting novel and rain. Isn't it amazing.? For me, its magical and I spent my last two weekends this way at home. I read 2 (two)  novels : "Truly, Madly, Deeply" by Faraaz Kazi and "Like It Happened Yesterday" by Ravinder Singh. If one talks about first love then other talks about childhood memories. But both will definitely make you take a stroll down the memory lane. 

Reason for buying the novel :

• I bought 'Truly, Madly, Deeply' because it is the only Indian novel in the Top 100 YA Global Fiction List and the author Faraaz Kazi has won many awards for his writing style so I wanted to know what's so special about the novel.

• 'Like It Happened Yesterday' is the 3rd novel of Ravinder Singh and I have liked his earlier ones so was excited to read this one too.

Storyline :

• 'Truly, Madly, Deeply' is a Teenage Romance that revolves around the main characters Rahul and Seema. Its a beautiful knit love story that fascinates the reader. It shows how misunderstanding and ego can ruin a relationship. But for some reason I expected more from it. So according to me, its a one time read. This novel could not enter my list of favorites.  

• 'Like It Happened Yesterday' is a tale about the writer's childhood days. The story is nicely written. It will surely make the reader think about his / her school days. The title is very appropriate and even I feel those beautiful memories happened yesterday. But still I love 'I too had a love story' more which was Ravinder Singh's first novel.

Things I  liked in the Novel : 

• In 'Truly, Madly, Deeply', the writer has in-between written wonderful lines/couplets from famous books like How Do I Love Thee, I Love You As a Valley, Speak, Farewell to Love etc. Then the conversation between Father Tuscano and Rahul where he explains to him that : "Problems happen son. Nothing is perfect, not even life. God give us problems so that we can stand true to his test. Like every lock has a key, every problem has a solution. Sometimes you find the key in the unlikeliest of all places." is really inspiring. Even the debate speech that Rahul gives on "Is India truly free after Independence?" is thoughtfully written.

• In 'Like It Happened Yesterday', the Author's Note left me with a feeling of oneness as if the writer cares for the every single reader who reads his book. The write has written many lines in Punjabi throughout the book which I really loved because I am a Punjabi and could imagine the scenario in which those lines were said and written. It was nostalgic to read such a story that made me miss my innocent, sweet days. As a kid we all want to grow up quickly and enjoy things we are not allowed to do but when we are young and responsible we want to go back. Strange.!

Things I din't liked in the Novel :

• In 'Truly, Madly, Deeply', on page 36, Raj who is in conversation with Rahul says "Stop sounding like those filmy chutias and tell me what the news is?" For a second I could not believe a novel that has been internationally acclaimed uses such a word. Weird.! 

• In 'Like It Happened Yesterday', there is nothing as such.

I bought both the novels from Amazon.in and must say everything was so hassle free that I will surely buy from them again.

         

*Special Note* : In no way this is a comparison between the two novels. I just tried to collect and write my thoughts into one post. The views about the novels are personal which may differ from public view. I have no intentions to hurt anyone. A big Thank you to all those who stop by and read my posts. God Bless :)


Connect with the authors : 

• Twitter : Ravinder Singh (Like It Happened Yesterday)
• Twitter : Faraaz Kazi (Truly, Madly, Deeply)

because... every raindrop is a HOPE

Ernest Hemingway once said : “There is no friend as loyal as a book” and now I understand how true it is. As a child I never liked novels, I was more interested in short story books but then gradually my urge to read made me like them. Though I don't have a huge library at home still whenever I get time I make a point to read some good ones. I always felt like writing my views about the novels I read but it just couldn't happen and this time I am writing it & its about a novel called because... every raindrop is a HOPE. Honestly, I bought this novel just because of its Title.!

because... every raindrop is a HOPE is written by Mansi Sharma and Sankalp Kohli. Its a nice story and towards the end of the novel you'll surely get a lesson but it wasn't one of the best book I have ever read. Anyways every writer has his or her own way and sometimes it doesn't connect well with all the readers.While reading the novel i came across some beautiful lines which I would like to share :

"As long as every dusk gives you a Dream,
 As long as ever dawn gives you a Hope,
 Remember, there is a bit of Life waiting between the two..!"

"When Life comes, Love comes..
 When Love comes, Hope comes..
 But then when Love cannot go; Hope shouldn't..
 And, as long as Hope is still there, Life still is.."

"They say Life is difficult, I say who wants it to be easy;
 They say hold things or else they would be gone, I say value them & say Sorry I was wrong;
 They say try not to hurt close to ur heart, I say ensure stupid things don't set them apart;
 They say always tell what they mean to you, I say do that before your time is through;
 They say people are either good or bad, I say all are good, circumstances make a few bad;
 They say be with the one who loves you, I say never let go the one who love you;
 They say Life's all about moving on, I say.. Cum'on bring it on.!"

The novel tries to explain the difference between Self and Ego. It says self is what we actually are but ego is what we start thinking or believing we are because of the perception that world around us cultivates in us. Ego is necessary but when it goes beyond a limit it takes you far away from yourself and you no more realise what you are, you are ruined as a person. Chasing your dreams is right but losing your ownself in the want of your dreams is wrong.

The writer also throws a light on the 2 most misunderstood words : Love & Infatuation. Infatuation is always overrated while love is often underestimated. The truth is there is nothing love at first sight, never does it happen. Infatuation is when you don't know a person, yet you just are attracted to him/ her. Thus, it cannot be called an illusion however it may or may not turn into love. At last I want to quote a line from the novel : 

"Life doesn't end, as long as every raindrop is a  hope...."

Connect with the author : 

• Twitter : Sankalp Kohli