Saala Bhaalu

A short story I wrote in 2010…and tried sharing this with a publisher. It was turned down since it mentioned “dope / joint/ weed / maal” – strange how most of the shows openly showcase consumption of the same unapologetically.

A figment of my imagination none the less, I share here today – unabashedly.

Andy stormed into Vishal’s room, unannounced of course.
“Vishal? Dude …where art thou?”
“In a minute…” yelled Vishal from the bathroom.
“I don’t really need you out here. You are no good. Just tell me where the maal is…”

The thing about a guys’ room is the informal atmosphere – welcoming anyone and everyone who has dope and/or moolah or easy access to them.

Andy made himself comfortable on Eppa’s bed – legs dangling, upper body supported by the left elbow and mind engrossed in solving the rubik’s cube that was an essential part of Eppa’s property.
Vishal stepped out of the bathroom and looked around. Jat had just walked in. His perfect physique always attracted many a girls but the moment he opened his mouth they disappeared faster than the speed of light. Or the way Andy usually said – “faster than a fart in a fan factory”.
The trio looked at each other. Expressionless as usual.
“Koi mar gaya kya?” Andy asked Jat.
“Filhaal toh nahi. Kyu tera irada hai kya?” said Jat – trying to sound smart – and macho.

“Saala mera he room milta hai tumko har baar- no khoon kharaba here…” Vishal muttered as if talking to the air. He walked towards his cupboard and started fiddling with the items– and soon his casual search turned fanatic.
“What the fuck…!!!”
“Yeah tell me you misplaced it – loser. Saala ek kaam you can’t do properly” came Andy’s flying comment, who by the way was still engrossed in solving the cube.
“Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck….”
“Eh you stop fucking and tell me what’s happening” interrupted Jat as usual in his thick Haryanvi accent.
“Don’t bother brother…aaand I’m done!” said Andy flinging the cube towards Jat. Jat managed to catch the cube before it hit his privates. “Aee…future khatre mein mat daal!!!”
“Jat ko ghaath nahi hota…” laughed Andy and winked at Jat.
“Yo loser – mila kya?” Andy said turning his lazy gaze towards Vishal.
“I rolled the last joint with the maal- 80% maal 20% tobacco – put the joint in a small packet – put the packet in my brown jacket’s left pocket and put the jacket in here. Saala – no Jacket now!”
“Lair. I’m sure you smoked up without us…stop making stories”
“Fucker I’m not lying. Jat ki kasam…”
“Meri maaro tum sab…” Jat looked at them as he stopped playing with the cube.
“Yaar woh jacket…? Is it on the bed? Or the door? Or the chair?”

The trio looked around the room and finally at each other.
“Shit! EPPA!!!” they screamed unanimously and darted out of the room like the first bullet out of an H&K – MP5 threatening its target with grave, imminent and lethal damage!
Running across the campus they bumped into Gosh.
“Oye did you see Eppa?”
“You know something’s happened in senior’s ka room…Rajan was freaking out majorly and literally stripping some of our classmates. Saala juniors ki bohot le raha hai…” Gosh went on.
“We’ve been in our room. So no idea. No care. Did you see Eppa woh bol…” spurted Vishal.
“I guess I saw him walk towards the canteen or the amphitheatre…whaa…”
And before Gosh could ask or say anything more the trio charged towards the canteen. They rushed in and started looking for their “bear” figured Eppa. For a split second, everyone in there stared at them blankly before resuming their banter and eating.

They rushed out again to hunt the “bear” and found him sitting under a tree behind the canteen. Smoking, smiling and waving at them.
“Eppa…bhaalu…tell me u didn’t…” started Vishal.
“Tell you I didn’t….but what?” smiled Eppa stubbing the cigarette butt.
“Did you smoke the joint from this jacket?” questioned Andy, pretty sternly.
“Yep”
“Saala bhaalu..!!” cursed Andy.
The constant grinning and smirking of Eppa made the jokers ultimately smile too.

They sat beside him.
“My first time you see…hehehe…” Eppa grinned like a five year girl. “And you know what – I’m feeling very impatient..very jumpy..tingling sensations all over…kuch kuch ho raha haiiii” he tried explaining in his Mallu accent.
“I feel like jumping…and running…or maybe run and jump…or..,” he continued.
“You mean hurdles?” completed Jat, and got a dhaap from Andy.
“Yeah put more words in his mouth. Saala. Stop giving him ideas.”
“Hurdles it is!!!” jumped Eppa excitedly.
“Shit!” sighed Vishal.
And before they could say Jack Robinson, Eppa was already running and jumping over imaginary hurdles.
“Catch him before a professor spots him,” screamed Andy and jumped up.

But Eppa was on a different trip now. He was like the uncontrollable grizzly bear on a rampage. But he made a rather disgustingly funny sight running in his dirty black trousers that hung pretty low revealing his brown Dixcye innerwear, the stinky red tee-shirt which hadn’t been washed for over a month now tugging out of his trousers and Vishal’s brown jacket that he zabardasti tried to fit in looking trapped on his big bulky frame. And he was sprinting with his hands in the air, jumping like a five year lass in open fields, full of glee on attaining her first Barbie doll (maybe).
It was an uphill task for the three musketeers to get a hold of Eppa and humor him all the way to the hostel room, but not before they stumbled, fell and tripped over the stones and over each other multiple times. It was a task untangling their legs at times in the feeble attempt to reach the hostel room.

They were almost seriously injured by the time they reached the room and Jat tried putting Eppa on his bed. Eppa dropped with a plop on the bed crushing Jat’s right arm underneath him.
“Ahh…my head is spinning crazy…” cried Eppa.
“Ahh…my hand is hurting crazy…” cried Jat.
Andy and Vishal sat panting on Vishal’s bed facing the other two.
Jat managed to free his arm and got up heaving a sigh of relief.

“Dekho yaar…don’t spoil Eppa,” preached Jat.
“But we didn’t force him or ask him to smoke up. He found it. He did it. Bhaalu is not a minor anymore and I’m guessing he has a mind of his own,” Vishal replied, a bit angry.
“Jo bhi…you guys smoke in front of him…so maybe he’s trying to imitate you or fit in”, Jat went on.
“Yeah we smoke in front of you too. But you are still the same. Body builder Jat,” the critic in Andy answered.
“Meri baat alag hai…”
“Bhaalu is not a kid. Or wait. Maybe he is. Did you see him run and jump and dance…hahahaha…” cracked Andy.
Andy leaned on Vishal’s bed and happened to see a dirty filthy tee-shirt on the bed and Vishal followed his gaze. Their eyes met.
“When’s your birthday man?” asked Andy.
“That’s not mine…”
Andy picked up the tee carefully by the tip of his forefinger and thumb and threw it on Eppa’s face, who seemed to have passed out instantly after dropping on the bed.
“Fatte strong joint tha…look at bhaalu pass out” smirked Andy.
“Saala Bhaalu…”
Andy turned to where he’d picked up the shirt from and noticed a small white packet. He picked it up and opened it – to discover a joint.
Vishal stared blankly at Andy and Jat’s towering figure closed in on them.
“Fuck! Yeh… bhaalu ne kya maara!?!?” blurted a shocked Vishal.
“Yeh pooch – kiska maara!” exclaimed Andy.
No sooner had Andy completed his sentence Gosh came running in, “Vishal, Andy…Juniors have been summoned to Rajan’s room…major panga man! Someone flicked his expensive Manali ka maal!”

Andy and Vishal froze. They looked at Jat who was standing – expressionless (yes, as usual). Vishal looked at Eppa move. He was trying to get up. Maybe the stench from the tee-shirt disturbed his sweet slumber. He tried opening his eyes. “I’m hungry…” he said rubbing his eyes.
“Koi mar gaya kya…?” asked Eppa in a funny tone with his eyes still red.
“Haan…tu,” came Andy’s blank response.

Book Review of Profit Wise: How to Make More Money in Business by Doing the Right Thing by Jeff Morrill

Jeff Morrill’s Profit Wise: How to Make Money in Business by Doing the Right Thing comes with deep insights of life & leadership experiences and lessons.

While I was initially skeptical about picking up the book, it turned out to be a nice easy-breezy read.

The author pens his experiences and learnings of running his first car dealership venture – Plant Subaro. It is not always easy leading / managing other people. The book proves to be a guide to building a good team, managing people, and of course retaining them.

The book reminded me of all the important things I have come to value in my life – like – Hiring the best, and trusting them; breaking the norms; valuing the potential in people not just skills; valuing people overall (being employee / customer centric); clarity of thought; taking a stand; doing the right thing always; being diverse in hiring; being a responsible corporate citizen; building the right culture from Day 1; course corrections in the journey as required; effective time-management – well you name it!

What really kept me glued were the real-life stories / experiences shared by the author that brought out all the learnings in a more relatable manner. It is sad how most corporate giants and mammoth organizations forget their basics with time.

As I was mentioning, this is a quick read. The chapters are precisely drawn up to give a holistic view and approach towards running a business (which can also be used in the corporate world across all levels). The language is easy, relatable and the reader is bound to feel connected at all times. A smart move by the author to incorporate mind-tickling questions at the end of each chapter to reflect on.

This book, I believe, is a must-have / must-read for young entrepreneurs and all the young adults venturing in the corporate world. Well, others can read it too – it is never too late to learn a thing or two about how successful businesses are run and what it takes to ensure you stay in the running, and reach the next-level. It outlines some really good leadership principles which I have personally experienced in my career journey with some really great leaders.

This one I would highly recommend to read, and re-read!

Book Review of Contagious by Jonah Berger

Why do somethings catch on, while others don’t? Why are some stories and songs more popular than others? Why is rumor and negativity more contagious than facts and positivity?

Jonah’s book, Contagious, highlights some of such viral content, and factors that help make an idea big / sell-able and infectious.

The six principles of contagiousness shared by Jonah focus on the simplicity, effectiveness and credibility of ideas that make it viral. Social Currency (social relevancy, resonance), Triggers (stimuli that prompt people to think about related things), Emotion (evoking connect in terms of emotion), Public (creating behavioral residue that sticks and is visible), Practical Value (monetary value and otherwise) – all wrapped in to Stories (creatively shared for the viral effect).

Smartly, the six principles form the acronym – STEPPS, and showcase “the underlying psychological and sociological processes behind the science of social transmission”.

Diving into each of the principles, as separate chapters, Jonah takes you on a splendid journey of different brands that made it big, solely on “personal recommendation”. Remember: people share things that make them look good to others.

Rich with stories as examples, the book is a good read for anyone and everyone, who aims to be viral in this digital age. As long as the content is useful, worthy, and smartly put using one or more STEPPS, you can harness social influence and be contagious!

Book Review of The Persecution of Madhav Tripathi by Aditya Sudarshan

The Persecution of Madhav Tripathi

by Aditya  Sudarshan

This fast paced, yet gentle read, treads carefully the life and prosecution of Madhav Tripathi – an officer in the ministry. And its not just him. Others around him too become a victim. Madhav is abducted, he manages to flee, and gets back to his girlfriend. There on anyone and everyone become their suspects.

With the turn of events, you see Madhav facing prosecution at all levels – physical, emotional and psychological. People, things and events from his past surface creating a matrix with his present only to ruin it for his future.  There’s an uprising, of feelings, emotions (guilt), and people. There’s democracy covered by the garb of hypocrisy. A latent desire to know more than one must. And an active roar to reach the top.

The perfect tiff between the past and the future.
The author takes you on an enthralling adventure unveiling the truth of our society.

I’d say treat it like a work of fiction which it is. But when you read it, it feels more real than truth itself. Aditya’s style of writing has evolved and he can sure keep his readers captive, slowly. There’s violence, humor, wit, and more importantly a mesmerizing mystery to solve.

It took me a while to pick up the book, but I’m glad I did. The thriller is quite a work of art. A good effort.

Book Review of “Taming The Restless Mind” By Rashmi Singh

 

This book, I believe, is Rashmi Singh’s first non-fictional offering. A freelance Personality Development Trainer and Counselor, Rashmi has compiled small pearls of wisdom for her readers.
Pitching the book to be a guide, to tame your mind, Rashmi has put together about 20, quite prominent, topics that indeed are the factors that lead to unrest in the mind.

I would suggest young adults to give it a read. It is sure to help them as they walk the path of life- in college and in the corporate world.

But for most folks like me, these are topics that we are familiar with and know the nitty-gritty of the consequences they bring. The book seemed very interesting to me initially, but within a few pages it was too predictable. There was no novelty for me.

Also, I did not quite understand the usage of all caps words/sentences in between. If a point needs to be stressed up on highly, making the text “bold” could’ve worked just as fine. The usage of caps in between did not go well with my reading process. I did find many grammatical and other flaws but since the flow was soft and easy, I guess I shall by-pass them for now.

People dealing with confidence and self development issues must give it a read. There are many winning tricks highlighted in the book that are bound to help readers gather and uplift their self-esteem and decision making skills.

I will suggest this book to youngsters definitely so that they are at least aware of the things that they are doing wrong (yes, already) and how they can improve their communication and interpersonal skills, as they stand on the brink of the transition (from a youngster to an adult).

 

Maintaining A Reading Log Or A Book Journal

 

A reading log (or a book journal) is a great way of keeping a track of what you have read, or are and will be reading. And truth be told, not many of us make or maintain a reading log.

It is in fact good practice that helps you record your reactions to a book, and its characters. You can note your thoughts and gain further insight about the theme, the plot, the appeal and even its relevance. This will help you expand your overall enjoyment of reading and going back to a book you liked.

You will notice that towards the end of it all, you will turn in to a good reviewer of a book and a keen observer of things around.

 

 

Here are a few ideas/questions to get you started:

 

1.    After reading the first couple of chapters, pen down your thoughts. See if they change as you proceed and reach the mid-way. And how you feel towards the end of the book. Would you go back to the book again or tag it as a one-time read? Also note any emotions that the book managed to invoke in you: smile, laughter, anger, worry, concern, tears?
2.    Did you connect with the story line, or the characters, or the ideation at all? Could you draw a parallel with your life while reading it? Did the book remind you of any aspect of your life or an incident you (or someone you know) have undergone? Or did the book remind you of any other book you’ve read in the past? Was there any unique idea that made you think on different lines?
3.    If you connected with any of the characters, who? Why? How? What did you find most appealing? Or given a chance would you become any of the characters? Who? Why?
4.    If you’d have written the story, what would you do differently? Would you change its title, or any of its characters, or altered any bit of the story or location?
5.    Do you have any apprehensions about any part of the book or any of its characters?

6.    Does the book provoke you to ask questions of any sort? What kind of questions would they be? Are they questions about the author or the characters or the ideation?
7.    If you could ask the author questions based on the book, would you? Or would you be inclined to read about the author itself, to maybe give you an insight to his world (his upbringing, his works, his ideologies)?

8.    Were you confused at any point while reading the book? Was there any situation that you did not understand or comprehend or you felt was out of place? Did that affect your reading or thoughts about the book and the author at any point?
9.    Note down your favorite part of the book, and your favorite quote by a character. What was it about them that appealed to you?
10.    Was reading the book a learning experience? If yes, what did the book teach you?
11.    Would you cheer for the book, and recommend it to others?
12.    Did you like the author’s style of writing? Would you read more from his collection? Why or why not?

 

Recording all the above will in a way help you review the book better. It will broaden your thought process, your evaluation power and of course help you explore different genres of books and authors.

You may follow the same practice while reading poetry and plays and other works of literature.

This will also help you read autobiographies, journals, or diaries of renowned authors, about their reading experience. You may also be able to compare your thoughts with theirs.

To conclude, maintaining a book journal or a reading log is a good practice. If you include a list of books that you wish to read in a particular month or year, the log will help you remember and attain your target too.

Let’s not forget, it will give you a good practice of expressing yourself, which in turn may help hone your writing skills. So, go get started tiger! It’s time to pen your thoughts.

Book Review of Welcome To Americastan by Jabeen Akhtar

Welcome To Americastan           

By Jabeen Akhtar

Identity crisis does not seem to spare anyone. Be it an Indian, or a Pakistani, or a Britisher who have now made the United States of America their home.

Welcome to Americastan is one such novel that deals with not just the quest for one’s identity but also brings out the quirks in one’s life.

Samira is a Pakistani-American is dumped by her boyfriend (Ethan) of eight years in the weirdest manner.

 

He chooses her best friend over her. And this is not a pretty situation to be in. In a fit of anger, Samira tries to run him over but as fate would have it, she lands up on the FBI’s terror watch list. And this brilliant move of lands her behind the bars, which in turn sees her being fired from her job (of course!) as legislative aide to a Congressman.
This is just the onset of her problems. And it all goes down-hill from thereon, as she moves in with her eccentric family in North Carolina.

Her father is a strong supporter of the Pakistani American Council (PAC), and a weirdly funny man. His arguments will make you chuckle- sometime in disbelief, and sometimes…just! Her mother is a typical mother as anyone else’s. She ends up spiking the punch with rum, and grumbles all along as she prepares delicious meals for family and friends who seem to be forever visiting or piled up in their home. This also means that Samira’s and her siblings are always at the receiving end of their parents verbosities.
Sam’s parents know nothing of what she has been through and think she is on a vacation. But when the truth is revealed, apart from the trauma, there is much humor. Youngsters in the house seem to be living a dual life.
Amidst all the drama and dilemma and confusion, Samira nurses her broken heart and gathers her strength to stand up again to face the world with all its offerings.

I like the way the details of a typical Pakistani family are covered. From the blatant use of swear words to what’s happening where and how and by whom – the typical nosey-pokey stuff brings in a lot of humor and laughs. The quirks of a traditional family that has its youth bending towards the modern society, bring out the stark realities that immigrant families face. They don’t know where they belong- to Pakistan or to America or to both…and how.

There are glimpses of racism and sexism. There are traces of cultural loss. There are hints of identity crises. All woven in to a web of satire, sprinkled with humor and garnished with wit.
A fast paced read, the writing style is refreshing and captivating. The plot never fades out. In fact, it keeps you wanting to read further.

The author seems to have a clear picture of what she wants to show her readers and delivers just that. The humor and the narrative are bound to keep you hooked till the very end. At a point you’d want the pages to increase. Such is the grasp of the author.

I highly recommend this one.

To Date Or Not To Date

There was a blog by Rosemarie Urquico on “Date a girl who reads” that created ripples. That was a response to Charles Warnke’s “You should date an illiterate girl”.

 

Since I was almost facing a “writer’s block” and couldn’t think of a blog idea, I thought, why not jot points for people who wish to date. So we can take a look at pros and cons of dating people who are well read, vs. others who disregard books.

Let’s begin with the cons. (No, I’m not a pessimist. I just want the negative out of the way.)
•    A person who loves to read and write would know just too well when you are lying.

•    They would be your grammar police when you least expect them to be.

•    They would be more crazier than you –speaking like Shakespeare, imagining likeRowling, reciting like Keats, talking about Gainman and what have you!

•    They will be master storytellers telling you off. They would have their expectations running high –thanks to all romantic/mystery novels they would’ve gulped by now.

•    They would be gaining more limelight, than you, amongst your peers. And sometimes more weight, sitting around with books as their sole companions.

•    They might, sometimes, be too engrossed in a book to pay attention to you. And sometimes they might end up paying more attention to details than expected.

•    They might lose their cool and snap at you, just because the protagonist behaved like an ……..
And now for the pros:

•    Cost

One of the most important of all factors. (Yes, let’s be practical.) Dating a person who reads implies an inexpensive affair. Books nowadays do cost a lot. Unless they are from some of the Indian publishers who save on the paper quality and offer books for like a mere Rs. 100!
Getting him/her a library card would go easy on your mind and pocket. And also relieve you of thinking, “What should I gift him/her now!?”
Dating a person who does not read implies there is greater cost involved. Imagine the kind of shopping some people indulge in – guys and their electronic gadgets; and girls with their (bare) clothing. Oh this is much more expensive!!!

 

•    Conversation abilities

Hands down I think a well read person can engage you in intellectual conversation, over a person who absolutely scorns books and newspapers. A well read person adds value to your knowledge bank. He/she can help you spin fantastic stories, and dwell in a world of goblins and fairies when you need some cheering.

•    Personality
A person who reads would be wise. (Let’s just say so for conversation sake.) He/she would be more composed and mannered than a person who doesn’t. He/she will understand that failure doesn’t mean the end of the world. A sequel can be written and life will move on. Success will follow. After all, you are the lead of your life story.

•    World of fantasy
There can be so much to talk about, so much to imagine, so much to fantasize about, with a person who reads, (and reads good stuff) over a person who can’t even make decent stories to save his/her life.

•    Priorities
Well…at times his/her books would gain priority over you. But it’s better than indulging in mindless banter with a person who knows not much. True you will be given all the attention and pampering by a person who doesn’t care much for books, but is that of any value when there is no growth, individually or together. If you crave for intellectual challenges, be prepared to not indulge in any with the person who cares not for the written word.

•     Simple living. High thinking.
Apart from the fact that this is Mahatma Gandhi’s quote, it is quite relevant in life. The person gobbles up words like a hungry reader is sure to find pleasures in simple things in life. A flower, the rainbow, the first drop of rain, a butterfly, a coloring book, colors, stationary, anything that brings in a smile instantly without any effort. He/she would inspire you more than life itself, someday!

 

•    Life

Life will no longer be bland with a person who reads. Imagine adventures, treasure hunts, fantasy world stories. You might end up having weird (in a nice way) kids with weirder tastes and observation powers. Growing old with that person would be so much easier and fun. It’s true when they say, marry a person who you can talk to, because when you are old, it’s only good conversations that keep you going. He/she would recite Keats, Wordsworth, Shakespeare,Whitman, Wilde with much ease when you wish to hear a few words of love.

•    Other factors
It’s better to have you partner check out books than check out other people when with you. And who doesn’t make mistakes? We all are human after all. At least you can expect a well-worded apology in case you partner goofs up at some place.

All the places that you cannot afford to visit can be imagined and improvised in the company of a partner who utilizes his/her creative abilities to the hilt. He/she will lend you a listening ear. Always. Because, he/she knows how to give someone their undivided concentration.

He/she would know when to get serious and when not. He/she would appreciate your passion just like their’s.

So you see…there are too many pros of dating a well-read person. So go ahead, find yourself a…

good book and begin reading. NOW!

Book Review of “In Pursuit Of Infidelity” by Sujata Parashar

In Pursuit Of Infidelity

By Sujata Parashar

 

*spoiler alert*

Infidelity nowadays is as common as a headache. It can happen anytime. And it really isn’t as weird. Or so people say/think.
People write/talk about what they observe. Looking at the number of stories being written and published on this subject (of infidelity) it makes one wonder about the changing times of today.

In Pursuit of Infidelity by Sujata Parashar is one such story about Sheena, a busy professional, happily married (or so she thinks) to Gaurav. Both are trapped in the worldly woes of a professional life in Delhi, trying to make for a better future for themselves and their son Krish.

Sheena does not really feel the love towards Gaurav, but it’s her commitment to marriage and family that keeps her going. That is, until temptation comes calling. She bumps into her long lost love/crush- Nikhil and when he too confesses of being in love with her, Sheena faces the eternal dispute between her conscience and her heart.

Her work takes her to Mumbai and she ends up giving into her heart’s desire with him. She decides to walk out of her marriage. But when she returns home, it’s time for Gaurav to leave for Singapore on business. She decides to hold on till his return. But what happens in Singapore doesn’t remain in Singapore.
Gaurav ends up being attracted to Anita and one drunken night sees them breaking all inhibitions. Anita realizes their mistake and requests Gaurav to never contact her or be in touch with her.
Back home, Sheena stumbles upon Gaurav’s deed and feels cheated. She then walks out on him and demands a divorce.
What happens next is something I leave for the readers to find out.
(Yeah, it would be too bratty of me to give out the entire story here –albeit I’ve marked the spoiler alert!)

The narrative is quite smooth, yet captivating given its decent pace. The characterization is quite relatable to. But there were some points that ticked me.

Sheena was anyways set to call quits. So why did she feel so hurt and cheated on Gaurav’s infidelity? Ego hurt you say? Well, I don’t quite seem to agree with that. It was quite selfish on her part. Just because she wasn’t “caught” being unfaithful she put the entire “fall out blame” on him. Super selfish!

Secondly, all of us have moments of weakness. In this case, Nikhil happened to catch the right nerve and press it hard. People, especially girls/women, need to be the ones in control of their lives. The moment you show that you are vulnerable, people prey on you.

Also, being dissatisfied with (married) life doesn’t give you the license to cheat. You better be brave enough to own up to things.
And what about the sacred vows couples take during their marriage ceremonies? Why marry at all then? Why not just live in the moment with “no strings attached”?

Sheena is scared and worried about societal pressures and anxieties that come along with. But why doesn’t she think about them while indulging with Nikhil? Yes, there is no such thing as right or wrong, and sometimes everyone gives in to the moment…then why does she not come out clean with Gaurav? Why is he made the scapegoat who ends up carrying the entire blame!?
Well, to each his own.

Coming back to the writing, the “bedroom scenes” have been crafted very subtly. The mellow version of passionate love that the characters indulge in is quite concise. She could’ve explored that a bit more.

The author has well presented a hard-hitting fact/reality of life. It is a perceptive story that makes you think about the on goings in your life. Quite deeply. Overall, a good read.

Book Review of “Turn Coat” By Jim Butcher

Turn Coat

By Jim Butcher

Yet another feather in the cap for Jim Butcher.

The story begins with Dresden finding the antagonist, Morgan, lying injured at his door seeking his help to get out of a crime he did not commit. Dresden, being the good guy, commits to help Morgan (after much contemplation within).

The story is persuasive and has – a lot about the White Wizard Council (that was missing in the earlier series); a lot of magic; Morgan’s story; smart, witty dialogues (not all by Dresden); alluring action; and best of all the character of Mouse. 

With his supernatural skills as a wizard, and a keen eye for detail (as a detective) Dresden fights against all odds (literally) to emerge the hero (once again!)

Though the pace could have been a bit higher, the plot and the characters, in a way, make up for it.

Absolutely recommended to all.