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2024 Wrap Up

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The blank page seems daunting. Even for jotting down the highs and lows of this year- 2024. But try I will. It’s been long I have blogged just for the sake of blogging, not for a sponsored book review, not for a blog hop, just plain and simple purpose of curating my thoughts. I saw the archives and seems I just posted 5 posts this year. Well, motherhood and mood swings have taken away most of the zeal and enthusiasm from me, and the low readership of the blog does for the rest. All me-time goes to binge watching K-drama while I should be catching up on my sleep schedules. I had the luxury of reading though, through thick and thin. And I managed to clear few interviews and get offer letters and resign at my current company, though I am yet to get onboarded.  We traveled quite a bit with family too. Huge win. And our home couldn’t be more disheveled as it is lively currently with an active toddler who is a few months shy of speaking. So, it’s a cycle of cuddling, throwing, spitting, ...
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Unashamed by Neha Bhatt

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    Publisher ‏ : ‎ HarperCollins India (25 May 2024) Language ‏ : ‎ English Paperback ‏ : ‎ 256 pages Genre : Psychotherapy / Non fiction Buy At : Amazon   About the Book Dive into a transformative journey with Neha Bhat, the insightful mind behind @indiansextherapist on Instagram, as she fearlessly tackles the intricacies of sex, sexuality, trauma and shame in her groundbreaking book, Unashamed. In a society that often hushes discussions on the most fundamental aspects of human existence, Neha invites readers to explore the uncharted territories of their own desires. With a unique blend of empathy, humor, reflection and unwavering expertise, she dismantles the stigma surrounding sexuality, in turn, asking readers to embrace the full spectrum of their desires without reservation. Unashamed delves deep into the psychological landscape of shame, unraveling the roots that bind individuals and communities to outdated norms. Through engaging anecdotes, rel...
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White Blood by Nanak Singh

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Author: Nanak Singh Translator: Dilraj Singh Suri Publisher: Hachette India Language: English Paperback: 272 pages Genre: History, Religion, Legends Buy at :  Amazon Synopsis White Blood is a significant novel by Nanak Singh, first published in 1932. Recognized for its literary and historical importance, this novel is a milestone in Punjabi literature, steering it towards realism. It intricately portrays Punjabi life, analyzing characters with depth and psychological insight. The plot is meticulously crafted, interwoven with dramatic situations and irony, offering a satirical view on societal wrongdoings. The novel is celebrated for its vivid scenes, such as the hardships of writers, the juggler Rodu's aspirations for Sundri, the illicit wine production by Pala Singh, and the dramatic transformation of Anwar's life. Through these elements, Nanak Singh paints a brilliant picture of early 20th-century Punjab.   Review of the Book White Blood is a masterpiece by...
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What's your Axone? #BlogchatterFoodFest

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  Have you ever been judged for your food choices? Ever had frowning looks bombarding you from every direction for having a chicken sandwich in a hostel with vegetarian majority? Or worse, gorging it on a Monday? Has anyone labeled your favorite delicacy as foul and smelly? Or have you ever scrunched your nose in disgust at someone else’s plate? Perhaps we all would have at least one such experience in our lifetimes. In Odisha, ‘sukhua’ or sun-dried fish generously coated with salt is a delicacy in several places, salt acts as a preservative and it can be stored for months. But the preparation causes such an olfactory havoc, that even someone with closed doors and windows would know that the neighbor is cooking it. There is no hiding or denying the smell. It pervades all nooks and crannies and makes its presence known. Even a child can recognize it. It is that memorable. You will either love it or hate it with a vengeance. Though I do not know how to prepare it, I enjoy the dish ...
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Food and Memories #BlogchatterFoodFest

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Food carries memories. Nostalgia. It brings back those mornings when Baba would cut veggies for Maggi that I would be preparing. Mama would do other chores at a relaxed pace till lunch time. And Cherry, my sister would grudgingly wake up at the wafting smell of Maggi masala. Baba swore by his veggies, and so did I, much to the disbelief and horror of my mother and sister. Capsicum, carrot, beans, potato, cauliflower, cabbage, onion, tomato, beet, green peas, even parwal went into our Maggi. It is delish, just try. Even mustard oil gives that Indian kick to Maggi. Years later when I prepare the same for me and my husband, it’s no news that he complains of too many veggies. It brings back those evenings when Mama prepared jackfruit cutlets to be had as snack with puffed rice. Power cuts and summer heat and breezy terraces. Chai cups and bowls of puffed rice with cutlets on top. Mama’s prepared cold coffee, custard, and Baba’s bel sherbet. It brings back those days when we sisters exp...
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Under the Bakula Tree

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Buy At: Amazon   Pages: 55 Author : Prasannakumary Raghavan Genre : Fiction Format : eBook Publisher : Self-published on Amazon KDP Book Blurb: Sorrowful, traumatic, and intensely romantic,  Under the Bakula Tree , set in Kerala , is the story of a widow tormented by patriarchal traditions. A mother of two, she finds love again, but as a widow, it is forbidden. Then something happens; a sisterhood turns a corner, ready to take up her challenge. They meet under an old Bakula tree, where Sara finds the secrets to find love again. My Review: 'Under the Bakula Tree' is a short story on female friendship, sisterhood and resilience in the face of the world.  In the heart of this narrative lies the intertwined destinies of three remarkable women. Leading the trio is Sara, a resilient widow and devoted mother of two, who confronts societal barriers head-on in her quest to rediscover her self-assurance and independence. Yet, her path is fraught with challenges; in a society that s...
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Mad Sisters of Esi

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·         Publisher ‏ : ‎  HarperCollins India (29 September 2023) ·         Language ‏ : ‎  English ·         Paperback ‏ : ‎  424 pages ·         Genre : Fantasy ·         Buy At : Amazon   Book Blurb: Myung and Laleh are keepers of the whale of babel. They roam within its cosmic chambers, speak folktales of themselves, and pray to an enigmatic figure they know only as 'Great Wisa'. To Laleh, this is everything. For Myung, it is not enough. When Myung flees the whale, she stumbles into a new universe where shapeshifting islands and ancient maps hold sway. There, she sets off on an adventure that is both tragic and transformative, for her and Laleh. For at the heart of her quest lies a mystery that has confounded scholars for centuries: the truth about the mad sisters of Esi. ...
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Queeristan by Parmesh Sahani

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  Queeristan (Amazon Link) Thanks to Audible Free Trial I listened to this amazing non-fiction on LGBTQ inclusion in Indian workplaces. Author Parmesh Sahani identifies as gay Indian, working closely with Godrej higher management and employees for years to create an inclusive workplace, both legally and in spirit. This book is a result of those years of experience, research, collaboration with individuals from difference spectrum of the society and organizations who has successfully transitioned into a queer friendly one.   Indian history is inclusive. From the Khajuraho temple architectures, to Konark to the Rig Veda, there is existing proofs even 2000 years ago of Indian inclusiveness of queer. It’s the draconian British law that criminalised it, which was scraped in 2009, came into effect once again following a sad judgement in 2013 and eventually was scraped off for good in 2018. I am in awe of the lawyers who fought this legal battle- colleagues and partners – Arundh...
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Empress Ki : A story of an epic scale

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The One To Leave First

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I have always been the one to leave first. Be it luck or circumstance, it has always been this way. Some of the times it has been my decision to venture out of my comfort zone first before all my peers decide to do the same and I am left behind, alone in the old world. The decisions are out of fear of being left alone, most of the times. Or is it self-preservation instead?  I am a person who takes time to adapt, make new friends, get accustomed to new surroundings- an unlikely one to leave first- yet I do. You might think me selfish, but I am just afraid, and I decide to take care of myself first. Some might see this as a major risk-taking attitude, but I mostly see it as fleeing before the 'desertion' hits me instead. Now that's a strong word indeed. I am always in search of safe ground, always so insecure and calculating my moves lest I end up being alone on the island. Paranoiac. Several things bother me at once. What if my peers get on with their lives leavi...
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F.R.I.E.N.D.S

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The Baztan Trilogy

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The first movie 'The Invisible Guardian' begins with the killings of several teenage girls and elaborate staging of their bodies by the river in the damp valley of Elizondo. Amaia Salazar, our protagonist, returns there, her hometown, as the Chief Investigator for the case. She heads the homicide department. The serial killings seem aimed at young girls who don't uphold the traditional norms and have begun exploring their sexuality. Through the case, Amaia grapples with her own demons, her relationship issues and traumatic memories of abuse from her past. We get to know that her mother had abused her, being seemingly senile herself, and was then admitted to a facility. The setting of the damp valley where it rains all hours of the day, the cloudy scenery, the fog covered thick forest maintain a sinister vibe throughout the movie. It is an apt backdrop for a crime thriller, with supernatural undertones. The mythical beast  basajaun , the big hairy beast of the forest, seems ...
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When Breathe Becomes Air

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It was towards the end of the book that I realized that this is almost an unfinished manuscript. But still it feels complete in itself. I was constantly wondering throughout why this book is so short. He is an amazing writer and you know that when you hear his thoughts while reading the book - his narrative - his writing style just reveal his love for poetry, literature, philosophy and spirituality. It was striking that he had persistently wondered about death- the meaning of life- its purpose throughout his growing up years, even while choosing a career. And even after he was first diagnosed with lung cancer, he did the same.   "Literature not only illuminated another's experience, it provided, I believed, the richest material for moral reflection." - on the love for literature.   Paul draws the difference between a job and a calling, something you are meant to do for the world in the limited span of your mortal life, in the first few chapters as a Doctor, before h...
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Before Sunrise: A Timeless Tribute To Conversations

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Source: Spiritualityandpractice One Friday evening, as I was feeling a bit lonely and homesick with nothing much to do, not even strolling on the terrace viewing the ever so beautiful mountains since it was raining hard- thus it also contributing to my gloomy mood, I decided to watch Before Sunrise. Yes, once again. A first for me. I rarely re-watch a movie. Yearning for a light-hearted yet meaningful conversation this was the best choice I had. My hostel mates were out in the city and all the people I called up were busy. Luck by chance. Thanks to the superb uninterrupted internet connection I had a great 1 hour 40 minutes that evening. "Experiencing the otherworldly. When morning comes, we would all turn into pumpkins." Even though it sounds like a cliche today, unplanned trips, adventures in life, serendipity and providence are romantic. Before Sunrise has all of these, when strangers indulge in light conversations, grow intrigued about each other's live...
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Burst That Ego If You Want Genuine Connections In Life

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Source : Quotefancy "When the ego dies, the soul awakes." - Mahatma Gandhi Why do you have such a huge ego? You cannot wear your family's name on your sleeve as an identity forever. The world wouldn't see you through the eyes of your parents who have pampered you so much for the better part of your life. Here in the real world, you will get what you give. Respect begets respect. Selfishness begets selfishness. Hate begets hate. And your 'i don't care', 'i don't give a damn', 'i am paying money for that', 'i will do as I please' attitude will give you the same. Respect is earned. Agreed. But you should give it first to earn it back. The other person should and must be respected by default despite his class, caste, job and family background, until and unless he proves unworthy of it with time. I stand strongly by this belief. There can be no excuse for disregard. The way you speak to me about people tells m...
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