Shadow and Bone – Leigh Bardugo

Set in an alternate tsarist Russia called Ravka, a nation is divided by a stretch of unnatural darkness known as the Shadow Fold. Whilst on a mission as part of the army, Alina Starkov discovers she possesses a hidden power that could be the light at the end of the tunnel for her war-torn country. Leigh Bardugo weaves Russian myth and folklore with complex characters in a gripping and unputdownable start to a fantastic trilogy.

Rating: 5/5

Read by Tessie

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Half Girlfriend – Chetan Bhagat

In his latest book, Chetan takes us through the journey of a simple village boy to win over the heart of his lady love who happens to be from a well- to-do family. Despite being bogged down by inferiority complex and linguistic barriers, his sheer determination and love for his soul mate helps him see through the worst. Being a Prince himself from an erstwhile state did help him in some ways to get into his sweetheart’s mental frame, but the challenges to follow were many.

This is a love story with many twists and turns that would keep your hands off anything until you have finished it. Chetan’s down-to-earth depiction of this story is truly commendable.

Rating 3/5

Raising competent teenagers in an age of porn, drugs and tattoos – Dr Linda Friedland

This book is an excellent resource of real-life examples of parent-teenager conflicts. Drawn from personal experiences and research, Dr. Linda has compiled this book with practical solutions. It can be thought of as a one-stop shop to answer all your apprehensions and queries about the sometimes tumultuous parent-teenager relationships.

Reading this book gives us a feeling of a candid camera being placed in our homes. This book helps us understand the scientific reasons behind why teenagers behave oddly at times. It definitely gave me an opportunity to empathize more with my children during parenting dilemmas. I would recommend this book to every parent with a teenager.

Rating 5/5

Read by Anse

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The Avalon Ladies Scrapbooking – Darien Gee

The beauty of this book starts right from the cover and continues as one flips through its pages filled with a beautiful tale. This book engaged me right from the beginning and I was engrossed in the lives of the people living in Avalon. I was just not be able to put this book down! This book narrates a story of devoted friendships, highs and lows of families and unconditional love. Also, it heightened my interest in scrap-booking which I plan to take up some time for sure.

Rating 5/5

The Time of Our Lives – Jane Costello

The book is a thoroughly entertaining read. Though, there is a serious background to this story but despite that the book does not fail to be hilarious. There are times when one might be all teary-eyed but for most part the tears will be because of laughing. The writing is simple yet effective and the humor is the right amount. Also, the characters are very real and one can easily relate with them. So, if one wants to have a good laugh with a touch of emotions then this is the book!

Rating 4/5

The Girls of Mischief Bay – Susan Mallery

This a delightful read that that focuses on family and friendship aspects of human life. This book tells the story of three friends, their lives and their struggles. As we flip through the pages, we learn about the lives of each and how the three help each other when their lives fall apart. What I loved the most about this book is its simplicity with few twists and turns that happen much later in the book and this made it a very relaxing read. This was exactly the kind of book I was looking for at that time!

Rating 4/5

Mr. Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookstore – Robin Sloan

This book fell below my expectations as I had heard some incredible reviews. It kept me hooked to it because I wanted to know what happens in the end and I, like the characters in the book, was waiting for the big revelation. Had this book been devoid of any mystery I might have put it away without even finishing it. What annoyed me most about this book was the focus on Google products – many of which had nothing to do with the story. So, a below average read which is in a way remarkable owing to its unusual plot.

Rating 2.5/5

What Milo Saw – Virginia Macgregor

The story of a little boy, suffering from a rare disease, to get his granny safely out of the hands of cruel nurse was worth a read and the time. What I enjoyed most was seeing the world through the pinhole view of a ten year old. His understanding of the world around him made me laugh. But, there were times when I also felt dejected because it showed the harsh reality of the current times. A surprisingly great read and this story will stay with me for a long time.

Rating 4/5

Read by Nita

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Bag of bones – Stephen King

The chilling, creeping, creaking, funny noises of Mike Noonan and his dead wife’s haunted house makes one’s hair stand-on-end. The dead communicated by forming fruits and vegetables fridge magnets into circles.

This book ‘Bag of Bones’ is a gripping, ghostly, suspense novel for pleasure reading, not in the silence of a room but with some company to avoid getting goosebumps and the adrenalin going.

Rating 3/5

Nothing to lose – Lee Child

It was interesting reading this book as Reacher showed some good ideas and values; like generosity and charity without expecting any reward.

It was a pleasure reading this book and with the modelling of Reacher’s fantastic qualities the world would be a better place.

Rating 5/5

Angela’s Ashes – Frank McCourt

Angela’s Ashes emotionally moved me to tears that could fill an ocean. Angela proved herself to be a wonderful, faithful Catholic. She religiously performed her wifely duties submitting to a drunked husband rather than face public criticism.

A wonderful book!

Rating 5/5

The Front – Patricia Cornwell

An interesting read. Drives me round the bend, still not knowing who the Boston murderer was. It’s difficult enough solving the ‘Pythagoras Theory’, let alone solving the ‘Boston Strangler Theory’.

Rating 2/5

Read by Ruby

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