DIABLO - DOUGLAS MISQUITTA

 Diablo by Douglas Misquitta is an informative and entertaining action packed novel based on contemporary geopolitics. FBI Agent Kirk Ingram is devoted to the administration of justice and his devotion leads him to making alliances in his need to ensure justice.

The book is well researched and reader travels through Somalia,

 Austria, Libya, Mumbai and Kazahistan via the cinematic, well 

woven and fast paced plot that keeps you gripped till the end

The Testaments by Margaret Atwood

The Testaments by Margaret Atwood is a 2019 novel and is a compelling sequel to the Handmaids Tale. This novel (The Testaments) story takes place a decade and a half later.

The Testaments takes us through three overlapping stories explained by three women describing the events that occurred 15 years after Offred’s final scene.

The three stories are of Baby Nicole (now 16) living in Canada, Agnes who was snatched from her parents Offred and Luke and raised by the regime, and Aunt Lydia, a woman with power, who enforces a new regime and retrains handmaids.

Gilead society (where the novel is picturized) has a fertility crisis which has led to the overthrow of democracy and the rise of patriarchy and oppression. The women are categorized under wives, Handmaids, Marthas, Unwomen, Econowives and aunts. Here fertile women are farmed out to wealthy couples and forced to bear children for them.  Thus, fertility makes the women targets of societal violence and control.

Aunt Lydia brings people together for the purpose of plot and we see her as a survivor, who does everything necessary to avoid death and loss. She rises within the leadership by indulging in cold blooded politics.

The Testaments is a kind of spy thriller where a mole inside Gilead is working with the resistance, to bring down the evil empire. The prose in The Testaments is direct. While Atwood’s story telling is melodramatic, it is also a fast and immense narrative. She focuses on daily life among the privileged classes. Through her narrative we see how experience and stories shape characters.

The use of stories keeps the audience gripped. The novel is intense, and you come across mystery, secret identities, spying, friendships, romance and adventure. The novel gives the reader the hope that justice will prevail

Atwood is through her novel is able to draw parallels between Gilead and the world we live in today.

Homes by Abu Bakr al Rabeeah

Abu Bakr al Rabeeah's story is beautifully penned by Winnie Yeung.

This book is aptly chosen and is the first Canadian book that has been selected for the Global Digital Book Club 'Big Library Read'.

The book takes you through the experiences of Abu Bakr and his family in Syria. It brings out the experiences of refugees, their fears, struggles and in this case their path to freedom from a country plagued by violence.

The gripping experiences in the book give us a glimpse into the fears, struggles and troubles faced by refugees in areas like Syria where violence and war still prevail.

One can hope and pray that world leaders and people around the world understand and realize that war is only destructive and that world peace is the need of the hour!

The book is a must read for all. Once started the book can't be put down!

How to be a Bawse by Lilly Singh

HOW TO BE A BAWSE – A Guide to Conquering Life by Lilly Singh is truly an inspiration. The book offers practical advice, ideas and life insights that have been the stepping 

stones to Lilly’s success.

Divided in four parts with 50 chapters (short and yet appealing) the book reads just like her videos.

As you go through the pages, you see Lilly in her most human form, her struggles and her achievements and thus the book forms a practical guide for all readers. Each one will definitely have something to take away, put to practice and treasure.

The book hits you with hard facts. My favorite hard fact – ‘There is no escalator to success. You have to take the stairs’. This is so true and I have experienced the same in all aspects!

Another important lesson is ‘keep learning’. Again, this is something we have heard before and it’s something one should never ever forget. I have repeatedly told my students that life is all about learning and I truly believe that we are constantly learning through every action every single day.

‘Get uncomfortable’. Everything you want is outside your comfort zone – an adage but true. Again no one achieved anything being in their comfort one.

Lilly reminds the reader to ‘own who you are’ and that’s something very important especially in today's fast paced competitive and challenging global scenario.

The book picks you up and helps you through so that you can look forward and thus conquer!

With her large following, Lilly will definitely impact a lot of lives through her book.

Stella by Lilly Adam

Stella by Lilly Adam is a well written novel that weaves its way through the lives of Stella, a beautiful young woman who is married to the wealthy businessman James Headly, who is her senior by quite a few years.

Misfortune befalls the family and they are forced out of their mansion and away from the luxuries they were used to. Life now takes them through some very trying times. 

During this struggle, Stella sets up a flourishing bakery 'Glorious Bakes' with the help of her former maid Hetty. The story continues to unravel through traumatic situations, tragedy and a myriad of events that lead to complex incidents. 

An intriguing read that keeps the reader captivated wanting to know what will happen next.

Remake Your Brain! - Leonid Altshuler MD

Remake Your Brain! by Leonid Altshuler MD is an interesting read. Though short, it is a very open minded view of how to maintain your health in a manner that one is able to take care of one's mental as well as physical well being. Both are interlinked and maintaining both aspects of health are very important to one's well being.

While some people feel the book is misleading (read some reviews before reading this book) I found the book to be very enlightening. It is very true that our health depends on our over all well being and keeping oneself healthy is an integral part of being healthy mentally. 

The book talks about being aware of what is good for you. The natural methodology of maintaining your health is very informative. Motivated people will be able to take charge of their lives and thus make the necessary changes to lead a healthy, energetic and productive life.

'You are always the one who heals yourself' is so true and this view has been practiced through the years by ancient thinkers and yogis and is so relevant even today!

Those in Peril (Hector Cross #1) by Wilbur Smith

Those in Peril (Hector Cross #1) by Wilbur Smith is a thriller and is action packed and keeps you turning pages. 

Billionaire oil tycoon - Hazel's, daughter is kidnapped by pirates  which leads to a struggle to bring her back home and finally revenge against the evil doers. 

The novel has an interesting plot which takes you through non stop action, treachery and violence. 

Smith's characters are larger than life and they take you through a whirlwind adventure leading to the victory of the hero of the novel Hector Cross. 

The Stranger in the Woods by Michael Finkel

Michael Finkel through his book The Stranger in the Woods: The Extraordinary Story of the Last True Hermit, is a very compelling story where he describes the life of Christopher Knight who lives like a hermit in the woods.

The book brings out various themes, one of them being the need to connect with oneself away from society, the need to realize what you are missing from life.

On reading the book you wonder and begin to question why any one would choose to live a hermit lifestyle, and then be forced to steal food from peoples homes. However, Knight felt that he just wanted the shelter the forest offered him.

While this story may not appeal to everyone as stealing food and supplies offended the local people, annoyed them and made them feel insecure, the story challenges readers to journey inwards and ask oneself some very reflective questions.

Camino Island by John Grisham

Camino Island is Grisham's book that takes you through a thrilling case of priceless manuscripts that are stolen. The Heist is truly a page turner and Grisham weaves a good story that keeps you hooked. Personally I found Camino Island a pleasant change from the usual courtroom drama and its a quick and easy read.

The World is Flat by Thomas L. Friedman

The World is Flat by Thomas L. Friedman is a best seller that reinstates ideas and clarifies the fact that 'the world is flat'. The gap between nations, on account of globalization, has truly closed and the world is but a 'global village'. 

The barriers that used to protect business and employees from global competition have been broken down. This is because of advancement in technology and communication and thus the world forms a playing field for business.

Any work that can be digitized, will definitely flow or go to anyone who is able to complete it at the lowest cost no matter which part of the world they live in. 

Friedman describes the ten forces that contribute to the flat world and how over the years the need to travel to a different destination has reduced on account of technological advances.

The book describes contemporary issues but with constant competition one will have to wait and see what the future really holds. It is a good book to understand the historical development of globalization, but due to rapid changes in both industry and technology, we will have to see how the future unfolds over time. 

The Whistler by John Grisham

Recommendation: Read the prequel The Witness to a Trial to get an introduction to the novel The Whistler.

The murder mystery trial of Junior takes you through a high stake murderous game of greed. There have been three gruesome murders and an innocent man Junior is sitting on the death row.

Master story-teller, Grisham, keeps you hooked and turning pages as the truth of the events unfold before the judges. Lawyer Lacy Stalz is the heroine of this legal thriller and exposes the evidence of corruption with the help of a whistler blower. 

The book is a thriller and you see Grisham's unique style of unfolding the murder mystery through this fast paced novel. 

Witness to a Trial by John Grisham

A short story of courtroom drama Witness to a Trial by John Grisham is a prequel to the novel The Whistler. 

The capital murder trial fills the reader with intrigue as it unfolds the story of the accused - Junior Mace, who slayed his wife and best fried in cold blood.


Each chapter describes the witnesses in court in great detail, and while the gory case unfolds in court, there is one other individual present in the courtroom who knows the truth about the case but would rather have Mace out of the way. 

The story sets the stage for the novel The Whistler which will bring out the entire play of characters and their roles well crafted by Grisham in this introductory prequel.

The short story will definitely provide the preview and builds up the story for the novel. A must read for Grisham fans!

How To Argue Powerfully, Purposefully, Positively by Jonathan Herring

Avoiding an argument simply means the problem goes on and is probably brushed under the rug. This can poison a relationship and can lead to tensions. The book 'How to Argue Powerfully, Purposefully, Positively' by Jonathan Herring, guides you through a positive way to understand arguments. 

In the unavoidable situation of an argument the book gives you the required skills to argue well in a clear and effective way. You can develop techniques explained in the book so that you can respond to the arguments of others equally effectively.

The '10 golden rules of argument’ are a go-to every time you face a situation where you can decide to hold your ground or simply walk away depending on the situation.

The ability to argue calmly, rationally and well is an asset at work and in life. It sharpens your thinking, tests your theories and gets you what you want.

Arguments can help you understand people better, sharing ideas and finding mutually beneficial ways ahead. A must have book for those who love reading and for those who want to save and cherish relationships. Definitely recommend this book to everyone.

Reflections from the Man in the Mirror - Timothy A. Natale

The author Timothy A. Natale in his book Reflections from the Man in the Mirror, beautifully brings out the theme 'Life is the ultimate team sport'. 

The book is a narrative of the life and experiences of the author and the lessons drawn from each individual who forms a part of his team in the game of life. 

He book brings out important lessons and gives in depth insights into life's truths and the writings will enable you to relate to the experiences as well and take away these life lessons for your own personal development. A good book to reflect on the influence of people: family and acquaintances, in your life.

Essentials of Marketing Research – Paurav Shukla

The book Essentials of Marketing Research by Paurav Shukla defines marketing research, marketing research problems and discusses the role of marketing research in marketing information systems and decision support systems in the market research process.

The most important dilemma that all companies face at some point or the other is reaching the target consumer and in this book, Paurav Shukla clearly explains how a marketing researcher can help fill the gap by asking the right questions.

The master plan or ‘research design’ is also explained in simple terms and enables the reader to get a clear perspective. Uses of data, methods of research, sampling, measurement scales, etc., are clearly explained.

This book is ideal for students, researchers and any one looking to advance their knowledge about marketing research.

The book can be downloaded for free at http://bookboon.com/en/marketing-research-an-introduction-ebook

No Good Deed - M. P. McDonald

No Good Deed by M. P. McDonald is a psychological thriller where Mark Taylor finds an old camera while on a freelance job in Afghanistan. While the camera gives him great photographs, it triggers dreams and these dreams turn into disasters exactly as Mark envisions them. Mark tries and warns the government who then label Mark guilty.

As you turn the pages you travel through what Mark has to go through on account of his dreams. With no hope of Mark getting away, the author keeps you gripped through the events that take you through Mark’s dealings with the government and his struggles to convince them of his innocence.

When Passion Rules – Joanna Lindsey

Johanna Lindsey writes stories that can be devoured and savored and forms leisure reading. She has interesting characters and an exciting plot which keep readers wanting to know what’s next.

Alana, raised by Poppie, has been trained in the arts and all lessons given to a royal family member. As the novel unveils her true reality, she is faced with dangerous intrigues and is exposed to shocking secrets.

The book is quick paced and light-hearted and is ideal for a holiday read.

Wildly Simple: Free Your Happiness Through the Power of Nature (Book 1) by Kate Lockhart

The book is a guide to engage with nature. Being one with nature enables you to free yourself from stress and brings you happiness. 

The book is an easy guide and resource book that is simple to read with very practical guidelines that help you indulge in your surroundings and engages your conscious mind to help you focus on true happiness.

The book encourages you to record your feelings and experiences as you practice engaging yourself with nature and is very practical and easy to follow. The simplicity of words and the basic practice sessions are encouraging and assist you to communicate with your surroundings. It provides helpful information on how you can get support to practice connecting with nature. While it requires you to practice to experience all that the book promises, the exercises are easy to follow and totally achievable.

In this age of constant stress and depression, Wildly Simple by Kate Lockhart, is a good self help book and must read for those who love to experience nature as a healer and a good starter for those who are seeking happiness and peaceful reflection. 

The Women in the Castle - Jessica Shattuck

The novel The Women in the Castle by Jessica Shattuck is set in post World War II Germany. The Bavarian Castle that hosted German high society, now houses three widows whose lives and fates form the story of the novel. The castle now in ruins post the defeat of Nazi Germany, was witness to a plot to assassinate Adolf Hitler.

A power historical novel, it is a page turner with twists and fascinating events that weave through the past, present and future lives of three widows. The choices they make, the burdens they carry and their survival through it all as the story unfolds exposes the lives of the widows, their secrets and brings forth forgiveness through the exposure of the truth and memories of the past.

The novel gives the reader a new perspective on the truths about the situation of women in the post World War II period. It creates vivid pictures of difficult to comprehend situations through the lives of people, places and actions. A must-read for those who love historical fiction.

Customer Relationship Management (CRM)

Customer Relationship Management (CRM) by authors Christopher Zerres and Michael Zerres, Roger Baran.

CRM is an integral part of businesses today. With increasing competition, economic changes and customer knowledge gained through relationship development it is important to understand and acknowledge the need for CRM.

The book covers the basic concepts of CRM. The concepts are explained in a clear and lucid manner. An ideal book for anyone trying to understand the basic concept of CRM, the book is a short and quick read which gives you an overview and enables you to get a better understanding of the concept.

You can get a free copy of the book at:

http://bookboon.com/en/customer-relationship-management-ebook#download