Do not think. Do not
write. Not even
attempt. Just be
unarmed. Your naked
self-open
to stories
and scars alike but
remember
not to use them
as protective clothing.
Stay naked.
Your vulnerability
is the fabric.
~
Breathe
through the fabric.
It’s hard. Yet
doable.
Breathe.
Even as you be
and breathe-
jump, sway, dance
cry, punch,
or itch as
the scar
or story may
want you to.
Blend with the story.
Bleed with the scar.
Be.
~
Let it all
soak up
through
the fabric.
Your vulnerability.
Let it
suck it up
till saturated.
Stretch it
not.
Shrink it
not.
Carefully lift
the fabric. Spread
it away from
your naked self.
~
The scars that
you allowed
to seep into
your skin
can wait.
Attend
to the fabric
first. Remember
you are a poet.
That fabric-
your canvas
and composition.
~
Now
like the lover’s
caressing
let your soul
gently tend to
the fabric.
Lift it up
letting light
find its way
highlighting
parts of it
naturally.
In the clothesline
of creative force
pin it carefully
with pegs
of purpose
so life breathes
through its pores.
Let it be.
Let it dry.
Let it dance.
Let it drench.
Let it delve.
Let it dry.
Let it be.
~
Remember
you are a poet.
That fabric-
your canvas
and composition
It’s not
you.
Gently move away.
It’s now
for the world
to witness.
You may now
tend to
the scars or
stories
that you
let seep
through your
skin.
You can be
you.
” A poem is the very image of life expressed in its eternal truth.”
~Percy Bysshe Shelley
A collection of 26 poems along with a deeper insight into the verses, in prose, this #BlogchatterEBook by Rajeev Moothedath makes you reflect on life and the myriad experiences we go through on a day-to-day basis.
In my experience of writing poetry over years, I have come across various types of readers, especially regarding verses. While one set of readers prefer lyrical verses loaded with vivid imageries and metaphors, the other set prefers straightforward lines that may come as a close contender with prose. The best part is every reader finds a book and every book finds its reader.
Now, this book, which is a mix of poetry accompanied by prose will have a greater appeal to those who prefer straightforwardness in verses with perspectives held within.
Delighting in the good, no matter where and to whom it happened
Ignoring the evil, not dwelling on it to give it power
Is perhaps the sure fire way to be happy, peaceful, contented
The author has chosen a particular word for each letter of the English alphabet and reflected upon it in verses of 5 lines in each poem. It amazes me to see how well he has managed to maintain the same structure all through his poems.
To make it easier for the reader, he has shared his insights on the verses as in what experiences got him to this and his perspectives in prose. This is an added advantage for those who are taking to poetry freshly. It helps them comprehend the poetry well.
I particularly loved the way the poet has connected the pieces with examples from real life. Like the one on ‘Delight’ where he points out that in the newspapers of Israel the first few pages are always about positive things, emphasising on a state such as,
Anything, as long as the front page of mind is always in delight!
His perspectives are fresh when he pens on the topic- ‘Ethereal’, finding power and strength in things delicate or when he writes about winning over ourselves.
Open your window to aesthetics- Love for art, poetry, music, culture
But he has also not shied away from talking about the cliched ‘money’ or ‘religion’. Despite being a cliched topic, it does catch the reader’s fancy, because no matter what, a few things need to be hammered on our heads to get the impact, no matter how many times.
One of my favourites from the collection is this poem, on ‘Karma’, where the poet expresses that Karma acts as an anchor for living life in moderation.
Do not fear Karma, nor pooh pooh it
To the extent of declaring "I just don't care..."
And give in to indulgences and cruelty
Just be sufficiently aware so as to not take
Two steps forward and then four steps backward!!
Also, not to forget the piece on “X-ray” that came as a surprise towards the end of the collection with a very fresh dimension to it. I really look forward to the M-ray (keep guessing or just grab the book!).
I just wished a little more time and attention could have been given to the cover design. A single stand-alone pic/graphic/abstract art would have looked better than a collage. Anyways, that didn’t hamper the reading experience though.
Cheers to the reflective poems with perspectives old & new!
To grab a promotional copy of the book, click here.
“If you want a happy ending, that depends, of course, on where you stop your story.”
~Orson Welles
Happy Endings, who doesn’t look for it right? Every one of us does. But what matters is who is more resilient to wait, work and witness it come true. The author Suchita’s #BlogchatterEBook, Happy Endings, is a collection of short stories of hope and resilience.
The 5 stories are titled after the protagonists of each story and I must say that each one of them is so different. The character sketches of each one of them are so unique and mind-blowing with the only common thread between them being their strength to fight their battles, relentlessly.
While it is easier for each one of us to get lost in the failures or the battles of life, this book comes as a ray of hope to always look for the light at the end of tunnel.
I must confess that I’m not much of a fiction reader but the early reviews of the book gave me a feeling that the stories and the characters may give a sense of real life than an imaginary one and I was right in my guess. What spoke to me much is the hardships that the characters face looked so real and one can very much relate to them. That instantly evokes a sense of empathy for them and knowingly or unknowingly we start being a part of their journey and I guess that’s where the victory of the author’s writing lies.
Be it Sameera’s fight against cancer, Mayank’s struggle to get out the rut of his mid life crisis, Avantika’s search for purpose in life, Urmilla’s reflections aftermath her sister’s death or Pranjal’s coping up through a psychological disorder, each one is a story of victory with a happy ending. The best of the book is its uniqueness in its characters, plots and the conflicts. They are so diverse and hats off for that.
The writing, the choice of words are sure to make you introspect and reflect your own journey too. Here are some of my favourite lines:
What does the sea mean to you?
Who knew? Maybe the future.
But you did choose this life. She grimaced, “That doesn’t mean I can’t hate it from time to time.”
What is real? How does one define it? Do you define real by what you can see?
“Happy Endings” definitely makes for a great read that is sure to help you strongly resolve to seek the happy ending of your lives. I hope you find your way too 🙂
P.S. I absolutely loved the neat and intriguing cover page of the book!
To grab a promotional copy of the book, click here.
Food is our common ground. A universal experience.
~ James Beard
Intrigued by the cover page, I pick up this book only to find out the author, Shail Thosani is a lawyer by profession and a home chef out of passion. With an enticing list of 15 vegetarian recipes in the index, this book got me hooked right then. Right from the crispy bread wada to the innovative stuffed idli, it was a drool-worthy read.
With simple yet drool-worthy recipes, this handy EBook has recipes that are beginner-friendly. All the recipes come with detailed step-by-step instructions with necessary bonus tips here and there.
Also, the recipes are made with commonly available ingredients and cooking utensils easily available in an Indian kitchen. Also, each recipe is accompanied by a picture of the dish so you know what to expect before starting to cook.
There is a mix of breakfast, lunch and dinner recipes and most of the recipes can be had any time of the day, like the broccoli paratha or the masala bhakri.
The potato fingers, quinoa patties and stuffed idli are going to be sure hits amongst kids. There are also easy-to-make dessert recipes like chocolate fudge ice cream, rava mango cake, etc to satiate your sweet tooth.
What I loved about the book is the clear step-by-step instructions and neat presentation. I would have loved to see more recipes though. Also not to forget, if you are looking for non-vegetarian recipes then you will be disappointed. But I’m sure the spicy veg recipes will make up for the disappointment though.
P.S. My hand is itching to try the potato fingers, stuffed idli, rava mango cake and broccoli masala, right away!
To grab a promotional copy of the book, click here.
Forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet and the winds long to play with your hair.
~Khalil Gibran
How often do we take time to be in the loving embrace of nature and enjoy its blessings consciously? Not very often, isn’t it? In this fast-paced life where we are all chasing goals after goals, we make schedules to embrace nature by planning a vacation by the beach side or camping or hiking. This being the bitter truth, the book, “Lessons from Nature” by the sisters cum duo bloggers, Meenal & Sonal comes as a gentle reminder to embrace nature and learn its language to understand the wisdom it has got to enlighten us with.
Floral blush steps down
Paving way for novice hopes
Unwrapping new stories
Written in a mix of prose and poetry, the book evokes optimism at every turn of the page. From flowers to moons to droughts and eclipses it invites the reader to view life through the lens of optimism and hope.
What may be considered the fierce face of nature like drought or quagmire is also shown in a new perspective that holds essential life lessons for us to learn. Before I forget, I should mention the beauty of the book cover.; it aptly evokes a sense of gentleness.
I particularly loved their portrayal of an eclipse as a power nap of the mighty celestial bodies.
A power nap of celestials
Working round the clock
Time to replenish
Another highlighting part of the book is the way each writeup ends with questions to reflect upon. That’s a very thoughtful way of adding more value to the book and the reader as well.
Though I understand the topics are arranged in alphabetical order, I wished they had been organised in a different way to make the flow seamless. But otherwise, the book is worth reading and reflecting on.
To grab a promotional copy of the book, click here.
“The thing about parenting rules is there aren’t any. That’s what makes it so difficult.”
~EWAN MCGREGOR
While there are so many books out there on raising toddlers, handling teens and self-help books for adults, tween literature didn’t get much attention. The term tween in itself may surprise many thinking that it is just teen misspelt. Well, let me get it clear right away. While teen refers to kids in the age group 13-18 years, tween refers to the age group 10-12 years.
Parenting tween by Jyoti Kaur bridges that gap present in tween literature and makes for a resourceful guide for the parents raising tweens.
Being a parent of a tween I had the urge to pick up this book instantly. I was assured a few pages into the book that the author has written honestly from her parenting experience and not some random theoretical piece of writing. The book is a practical guide on parenting tweens and it just spoke to me at different levels.
The book is organised, and the chapters are arranged in a manner such that it flows effortlessly. The titles are intriguing as well as indicative of what to expect; a balancing act, I would say.
Starting from defining a “tween” with the typical changes they go through physically, mentally & emotionally, this book held my attention right from the start. All along I was just nodding my head in affirmation of the author’s words.
It can be difficult in understanding the sudden mood swings, changes in interests, dressing style and communication patterns in tweens and parents need to be aware and ready for these changes to avoid conflicts with them. This book allows parents to be prepared to help their tweens understand themselves and sail through this phase smoothly.
What I liked best about the writing is that it isn’t preachy and is more like a fellow parent, a friend, sharing her parenting journey which makes the book more authentic.
I’m sure one look of the contents of the book (pic below) will give you enough reason to download the book immediately if you haven’t done it already.
Contents of the book “Parenting Tweens” by Jyoti Kaur
All the chapters have a strategic approach with crisp conclusions and actionable points. The chapters on standing up to bullies and understanding cyber-bullying are a must-read. I feel more empowered (really, if you know how it feels handling a tween!) and less anxious about the parenting journey after reading this. A must-read for every parent of tweens.
Only an empowered parent can raise an empowered kid. So, to grab a free promotional copy of the eBook, click here.
“Remember you are not managing an inconvenience. You are raising a human being.”
Our Environment-Threats, Challenges And Sustainable Solutions
Designed by the author on Canva
“Sustainability is no longer about doing less harm. It’s about doing more good.”
~Jochen Zeitz
When it comes to books on sustainability, especially for young minds, it must give a big picture and the actions needed at smaller levels. This book, Our Environment from Scholastic Publication does exactly that, which makes it a must-read.
Covering topics on environment, energy, environmental challenges and environmental responsibility, this makes for a wholesome read.
The book starts by answering the big question, what is the environment. It captures the pre-industrialisation, post-industrialisation and current situation, rightly and navigates us through different kinds of ecosystems and their functions. It talks about the biodiversity of India in specific and the threats to it.
A must read for children
The topic then moves on to different kinds of energy resources and how can we be more efficient in energy consumption and saving. The explanations start with examples that kids can relate to in their everyday life and then gradually scales up to help them understand the big picture.
There’s a wide range of topics covered, say from composting at home to the management of industrial waste, everything small and big that impacts or affects the environment is explained comprehensively. The language is lucid. It is not preachy but convincing.
Most importantly, there are small actionable points across the pages that can make a kid feel capable and take action in saving the earth in their own small, yet vital ways.
There are exercises that would make kids think about and take environmental issues seriously.
The best part of the book is that it ends by giving a brief outlook on the variety of “green careers” one can opt for and how to go about pursuing them.
To help the kids get inspired in choosing a green career, the book also goes on to tell about “planet pioneers” and their contributions.
To top it all, it ends on the topic of “Start A Campaign For Change” and there can’t be a much well-rounded, action-oriented book on sustainable solutions than this.
A highly recommended book for schools and homes as well, for everyone young & old.
It’s hard being a writer to be vulnerable and share one’s life as is but in this #BlogchatterEBook, “Soft Strings Of My Heart”, the author Roma Gupa Singha makes it look easy. As the by-line of her book says, she has weaved her soul into poetic florets. The outstanding feature of this book is its honesty right from the start where the dedication reads, “I dedicate this book to my resilience and to my love for life…”. The poet has let the readers get a peek into her life through her verses.
To start with, the vibrant cover of the book had me fall for it instantly. The choice of colours and the floral design, give out a sense of bold and beautiful, aptly capturing the essence of the book.
The poems grouped under five chapters in the book bring about the different phases the poet has been through. Under the first chapter, “The call of the woman in me”, along with putting forth her journey as a strong woman standing for herself, Roma has also voiced out the agonies of other women who have opened up to her looking for solace. I’m sure those women who find their vulnerabilities voiced through Roma would have found solace and courage as well.
She doesn’t want to deprive them of their father’s love
The same crap I have been listening for years
I have come across so many wonderful women with battered souls
Staying under the same roof for this reason
~
Summon up all your courage my love
You have the power to weave your nest the way you want
You have the power, believe in yourself
Get up and give him back what he deserves
~
The second chapter, titled, ” “Love in its infinite forms”, captures the sweet tenderness of the poet’s love for the man of her life. Roma vivdly captures her love life in words of beauty and simplicity. Just one look into the poem, you know their love story is sophisticated in the simplicity. It’s pure joy.
The gentle sea waves kissed our feet, As if trinkets of joy tickling us sweet Our eyes gave each other a warm embrace, As our fingers too spoke to each other with smiles
~
I need to tell you this, my one when I will be gone I don’t want to drip down your eyes like tears promise me you’ll rather keep me alive in your beautiful smiles
In the third chapter, ” Maa and Motherhood” Roma introduces herself as a caring mother and also reminisces the fond memories of her late mother with verses weaved through the threads of gentleness. The straightforward lines just make it all the more relatable.
With you my little one
I have lived my childhood again multiple times
Weaved uncountable memories
Which warm my heart every time
~
Time is just flying by
And in my arms, I wish to hold you tight
Before you grow up into a handsome young man
ready to fly
~
She waits for me in the lovely morn's dew drops...
And caresses and pampers me through her silent touch,
When I walk bare feet on the wet grass
That's where I forever find my Mom
~
While the fourth chapter, ” My unending battle with chronic endometriosis” captures the author’s struggle and strength, the fifth chapter, “My beloved teacher, life’s gifts to me (in random order)”, captures the myriad shades of her life’s journey with a lens of optimism.
Surgery after surgery
My threshold to bear the pain has gone for a toss
Now my heart shatters at the slightest thought
Of undergoing it one more time
They say endometriosis has no cure
I even altered my lifestyle and lost forty pounds
But it never really stopped
Torturing me and making me weak in my mental
resolve
~
I inched closer to the tree
With a wide smile, to be finally meeting my Lord Supreme
With every step, I felt healed
I felt He loved his people unconditionally
I walked faster
So wanting to thank Him in person
Finally, I took a sneak peek behind the tree
And can you guess who was there, exuding the divine white light...
~
The poet, Roma, has bared her soul and let us all into her life through her verses of honesty. Right from the start till the end, there is a contagious optimism that seeps through these verses and sticks forever with the reader. And I tell you, it will only help you find strength through your struggles and look forward to life with unconditional love that the author gifts us with in this book.
The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it.
~Robert Swann
Perfect for kids of 5 years and above, the Zayn & Zoey- Environment Series is a perfect conversation starter for topics on Environment and Sustainability.
We got this book recommendation from fellow parents through the Fb community, Kids Book Cafe, which is an active community in raising readers. Check their website here, for age-appropriate recommendations.
This series has three books: Reduce-Reuse-Recycle, Rainwater Harvesting and Learn About Solar Power and I would suggest that you start introducing the books to kids in the same order as I have put out here for better comprehension.
The books are written in simple language and colourfully illustrated on gloss finish pages which is sure to hook young readers.
Zayn & Zoey-Environment Series Books
Zayn & Zoey-Reduce-Reuse-Recycle
As the title suggests this explains the 3Rs; reduce, reuse and recycle; in a way that could easily get a kid thinking and come up with their own idea.
It explains how waste can affect the environment and how one can practise the 3 rs in daily life, like utilising the backside of old worksheets for rough work, having toy donation drive at schools, wrapping gifts with newspaper, etc.
This particular book is my daughter’s favourite as she was able to practically try the ideas out instantly.
The Zayn & Zoey: Environment Series comes highly recommended for school libraries as this makes up for a great conversation starter and relevant read around Environmental issues and can help kids take action as a group or community.
Rainwater Harvesting with Zayn & Zoey
With beautifully illustrated pictures this book shows kids how rainwater harvesting is done by taking the kids on a tour of Zayn & Zoey’s Grandma Grey’s farm.
I loved the questions of Zayn and Zoey that were part of the narrative. They were typical of kids that exhibited curiosity and wonder elements.
Teeny Weeny Tip: Next time when it rains, get your kid involved in placing a bucket closed with a thin cotton cloth as a filter, in an open area where you can harvest the rainwater. I am sure they will be amused at how this little act could save a considerable amount of water.
Zayn & Zoey- Learn About Solar Power
Addressing the curiosity of kids about how the sun can give us electricity, this book is written engagingly informative. Language is lucid and helps in better comprehension of a complex process in simpler words.
This book talks about solar panels and the various benefits and applications of solar power.
There are interesting fun facts throughout the book that feeds hungry minds.
Pro Tip: For some practical ways to utilise solar energy at a small scale that can involve kids, try these:
Ask them to sun dry their hair after a head bath instead of opting for a hairdryer.
Explain to them the benefits of sun-drying washed clothes instead of running an additional cycle of hot spin.
Involve your kids in sun-drying mangoes or tomatoes and help them how solar power can be used to our benefit in easier ways.
Wrap up words
I highly recommend this book as conversations on environmental issues, energy, conservation and sustainability are the need of the hour, especially for the younger generation to make conscious choices.
Here are some of our little wins:
Some of the little ways that my 10-year-old understands and makes efforts independently for sustainable solutions. (Proud momma here!)
Labels made from one side papers
Damaged plastic containers used as pots & pet bottles used as sprinklers
Greeting card made out of scrap
Doll makeover 1
Makeover 2
Makeover 3
Makeover 4
Makeover 5
Sustainable solutions by my 10-year-old
When it comes to sustainability, inclusivity is mandatory, which means involving kids too in having talks on sustainability and helping them take independent steps, how much ever small they may be.
Every small step towards sustainability matters and let’s help young minds make conscious choices.
For now, I leave you with this quote to ruminate upon:
“Trees are poems the earth writes upon the sky, We fell them down and turn them into paper, That we may record our emptiness.”
120700cookie-checkBooks on Sustainability for Young Mindsyes
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