#BookChatter

Whispered Melodies: A Journey Through Verses – Book Review

"Whispers Melodies - A Journey through Verses" is a collection of English poems written by Neerja Bhatnagar. With profound insight and heartfelt expressions, Neerja takes readers on a poetic journey that explores the interconnectedness of nature, emotions, and the human soul.
Whispered Melodies – Book Review

Book Details

Title: Whispered Melodies: A Journey Through Verses

Author & Illustrator: Neerja Bhatnagar

Publisher: Self-published

Genre: Poetry

Type: Kindle

Price: ₹99

Blurb

“Whispers Melodies – A Journey through Verses” is a collection of English poems written by Neerja Bhatnagar. With profound insight and heartfelt expressions, Neerja takes readers on a poetic journey that explores the interconnectedness of nature, emotions, and the human soul.

The book immerses readers in the enchanting beauty of the natural world, where Neerja skillfully weaves words to paint vivid imagery. Neerja’s poems beautifully evoke the vast array of emotions nature can evoke within us. Beyond the realm of nature, the poet delves deep into the intricacies of human emotions, exploring the tapestry of joy, sorrow, love, and longing. With exquisite sensitivity, Neerja’s verses evoke empathy and resonance, offering solace and understanding to readers who have experienced similar emotional landscapes. Her poems serve as a bridge between hearts, reminding us that we are not alone in our experiences and that our emotions connect us to one another in profound ways.

As the collection unfolds, she delves into the depths of the human soul, delving into questions of identity, purpose, and spirituality. Through introspective verses, she invites readers to contemplate the mysteries of life and the profound connection between the outer world and our inner selves. Her poems inspire readers to embark on a journey of self-discovery, urging them to listen to the whispers of their own souls and find solace and meaning in the harmony of existence.

“Whispered Melodies – A Journey through Verses” is a poetic tapestry that celebrates the beauty and complexity of the natural world, unravels the intricacies of human emotions, and encourages readers to embark on a soul-stirring exploration. Neerja Bhatnagar’s eloquent verses serve as an invitation to pause, reflect, and reconnect with the enchanting essence of nature, emotions, and the eternal soul.
This is Neerja’s first book of verses.

Book Review

“Whispered Melodies: A Journey Through Verses” by Neerja Bhatnagar is a collection of poems that draw inspiration from everyday life. These poems explore universal emotions and perspectives we encounter in our daily lives, and the poet skillfully captures these moments with beautiful rhyme and rhythm. In a literary era dominated by contemporary free verse, Bhatnagar’s work stands out as a refreshing departure with its emphasis on rhyme and rhythm.

Beginning with a poetic dedication to all lovers of verse, this collection embarks on a captivating journey through the world of poetry. Comprising over 50 introspective poems, these verses delve into the realms of nature, our deepest emotions, and the enigmatic bond we share with the cosmos. Each poem invites readers to pause, savour life’s moments, and contemplate the intricacies of our existence, fostering a deeper appreciation for both the ordinary and extraordinary facets of our journey.

I particularly liked the poems titled “Starry Nights” with one from a child’s perspective and the other from that of an adolescent. It’s intriguing to witness how our perspectives evolve from childhood to adulthood. While childhood is filled with wonder, adulthood often brings a sense of longing, and Bhatnagar skillfully portrays this contrast within the same starry nights.

In some of the poems like the one titled “Emotional Breakdown” with the following verses in between, the author packs in surprise elements.

The pain is all-consuming,
It's like a raging fire,
Burning deep within me,
And I can't help but admire.

~An excerpt from the poem "Emotional Breakdown"

Amidst descriptions of overwhelming pain akin to a raging fire, the last line of the stanza comes as a surprise element that hints at an appreciation for the resilience found within vulnerability, adding depth to the emotional narrative. There are many such places that would make one pause and reflect and more so, relate to what the poet says.

However, there are a few areas that could benefit from improvement. The formatting of the poems, while not detrimental to the essence of the work, could have been more reader-friendly, especially for screen readers. Another aspect that could be addressed is the repetition of certain phrases throughout the collection. Some of these repetitions may have been reworked to avoid redundancy and enhance the overall impact of the poems. A more thorough editing process would have resolved this issue.

Additionally, the last stanzas of the poems felt a bit forced and heavy-handed in delivering a moral message, more like prose. While it’s important to convey meaning in poetry, not every poem needs a clear moral. Leaving some poems open-ended can engage the reader’s imagination and sense of wonder.

But that said there are definitely pages and verses that are to stay with me forever. Here are a few from the collection:

The stars twinkle and shine so bright,
A galaxy of diamonds in flight.
Each one a world so far away,
Yet close enough for us to play

~An excerpt from the poem "Starry Night(as seen by a kid)
The night sky, a place to dream,
A space that's not quite what it seems.
It brings a sense of awe and grace,
And sets the mind and heart to race.

~An excerpt from the poem "Starry Night(as seen by an adolescent)

Suggested Read: Happy Endings- Book Review

Self-love is a precious gew,
A treasure that we must all find within.
It's a journey of discovery,
To embrace our flaws and feel free.

~An excerpt from the poem "Self Love"


Reflection is a mirror that we hold,
A chance to see ourselves so bold,
And in the light of our own gaze,
We find the strength to change our ways.

~An excerpt from the poem "Reflection"

Wrap up words

In conclusion, “Whispered Melodies: A Journey Through Verses” offers a fresh perspective on elements of nature, human emotions and the mystic bond between us and the cosmos through its verses of rhyme and rhythm. As such, I recommend this collection to younger readers, such as middle graders and college students (thanks to the clean language in the poems) and also those who are just starting to explore poetry and appreciate true rhyme. As for seasoned poetry readers, accustomed to contemporary poetry that delves into free verse, this rhyming style might come as a refreshing change. If you are someone who is into reflective poetry and appreciates the beauty of rhyme, then this book is for you.

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KOLAM KANNA – BOOK REVIEW

Book Review: Kolam Kanna
Book Review: Kolam Kanna

Book details

Title: Kolam Kanna

Author: Vibha Batra

Illustrator: Jemma Jose

Genre: Fiction/Children’s book

Type: Paperback

Page Count: 124

Price: ₹250

Blurb

The exciting Kolam Kondattam Kontest is right around the corner. And Bharathi can’t wait to participate and show off, er, showcase his creative skills. Encouraged by his friends, Tabassum and Alagu, he registers for the contest (with a ‘k’).

Alas, the Residents’ Welfare Association, led by the fearsome Mrs Subramaniam, won’t hear of it. The contest is open only to the residents of Pravin’s Paradiso Apartments. And while Bharathi hangs out at the apartments all the time, he’s not exactly-technically-actually a resident.

Now it’s up to Bharathi to hatch an ingenious plan. Will he be able to get around the rules, get past the building bullies and get a shot at his dream?

Book Review

Once again, Vibha Batra defies gender stereotypes through her writing in the delightful book “Kolam Kanna,” crafted for middle graders. With her signature style, she presents a fun-filled and effortlessly readable narrative that challenges conventions.

The story begins by immediately seizing your attention with a thought-provoking question: “How do you catch a tiger?” What ensues is an even more captivating and mysterious response. With this intriguing beginning, the author introduces us to Bharathi, a middle-grade boy from a modest family, whose extraordinary talent for crafting kolams infuses life into what he captures in it. While Tabassum and Alagu, his close friends, readily recognize and support his exceptional talent for creating kolams, much like his mother does, many others in his vicinity find it peculiar and cling to their stereotypical biases.

Furthermore, as excitement builds for the Kolam Contest announced within Pravin’s Paradiso Apartments, where Bharathi’s mother is employed and his friends Tabassum and Alagu reside, Bharathi is brimming with hope and dreams. However, his enthusiasm is short-lived as he discovers that the competition is exclusively for the apartment’s residents. The rest of the story unfolds to answer whether Bharathi can overcome this obstacle and fulfil his dream by participating in the contest.

What my 11-year-old and I found particularly delightful was the robust camaraderie between Bharathi and his friends, coupled with their individual quirks. Their humorous pranks added an extra layer of amusement, enhanced by the author’s engaging writing style.

My daughter thoroughly enjoyed the tiny kolams adorning each chapter title and eagerly engaged in trying to replicate them. Additionally, she found great delight in the incorporation of Tamil words and phrases within the story.

Wrap up words

The cover illustration by Jemma Jose is captivating, and the black-and-white illustrations within the book add a touch of humour while enhancing the storyline. I wholeheartedly recommend this engaging tale, written in simple language, to middle graders, especially those who are transitioning from picture books to chapter books.

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This post is a part of Blogchatter Half Marathon.

8 Confessions Revealing My Bookish Secrets

Let’s dive into some of my most personal bookish confessions. These revelations will give you a sneak peek into my one-of-a-kind connection with the world of books. So, grab a comfy seat, and let’s explore the quirks and peculiarities that make my reading journey a bit different. While I may not have followed the crowd when it came to classic novels or popular series, my unique experiences and idiosyncrasies in the world of literature have shaped my own delightful adventure.

Skipping the Classics

I must admit that I have never read the famous fiction books that many of my peers grew up with, such as The Famous Five, Nancy Drew, or The Secret Seven. My literary journey took a different path, and I’ve never quite stepped into their well-trodden pages.

Not a Potterhead (yet!)

I am not a Potterhead either. While the world was enchanted by the magical adventures of Harry Potter, I found myself drawn to different stories and worlds. Sometimes, being outside the mainstream can feel like a world of its own.

The Picture Book Predicament

On occasions, I’ve found myself purchasing picture books not for my daughter or as gifts for children but for my own personal enjoyment. There’s something enchanting about the illustrations and simplicity of these books that speaks to my inner child.

The Wordy Poetry Hack

When I encounter writer’s block while crafting personalized poetry gifts for clients, I turn to a peculiar trick. I select a book from my shelf, open it randomly, and choose a word from the first line. This word becomes the catalyst for my creative process. Sometimes it leads to poetry; sometimes it doesn’t. Regardless, it helps me overcome the block.

The Mix-and-Match Reader

Unlike many readers who prefer to immerse themselves in one book at a time, I find myself constantly switching between different genres and stories. It’s as if I can’t resist the allure of multiple literary worlds simultaneously.

A part of our collection!

The Eclectic Taste

While my daughter’s book collection is often in high demand among her friends, mine doesn’t enjoy the same popularity. It appears my taste in literature, which encompasses non-fiction, poetry, spirituality, and even mathematics (an unusual combination, I admit), is somewhat unique.

Emotional Resonance Over Names

More often than not, I find myself forgetting the names of characters or places in the plot. However, what I remember with remarkable clarity is how the book evoked specific emotions during my reading journey and the circumstances surrounding my immersion in its pages.

The Mysterious Connection

To add a final layer of intrigue, my bookshelf harbours books I haven’t completed and others I haven’t even started. Yet, books have a way of communicating with readers in mysterious ways. Some books remain dormant on my shelf for years, only to be rediscovered when the timing is just right, making them feel entirely new and inviting me to finish what I once started.

So, there it is- my bookish confessions. In sharing these personal revelations, I hope to show that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to reading. We all have our idiosyncrasies when it comes to books, and that’s what makes the world of literature so rich and diverse. Embrace your unique reading style, and you may find that books have their own way of speaking to you, too.

Suggested Read: RAISING READERS CAMPAIGN- RESOURCES & TIPS

This post is a part of Blogchatter Half Marathon.

The Yoga Sutras for Children- Book Review

Book Review: The Yoga Sutras For Children
Book Review: The Yoga Sutras For Children

Book details

Title: THE YOGA SUTRAS FOR CHILDREN

Author: Roopa Pai

Illustrator: Sayan Mukherjee

Genre: Non-fiction/Classics

Type: Paperback

Page Count: 304

Price: ₹399

Blurb

What are the Yoga Sutras? Instructions for bearded rishis who lived in the forests of ancient India? Or the complete manual of asanas?

Neither! In fact, the text may well have been called ‘Maharishi P’s Ultimate Handbook of Mind Control’, for it is really a set of techniques to help us – all of us – awaken and harness the explosive power of our minds, through our actions, our attitudes and our awareness.

And not our asanas? Those too, but not in the way you imagined it.

In this surprising, sparkling book, Roopa Pai unravels the secrets of Patanjali’s compact 2,000-year-old text in ways both fun and accessible. Walk down the well-marked paths into a dazzling world where a whole new version of yourself – self-assured, fearless and free – awaits you. Go on, then – what are you waiting for?

Book Review

Whether you’ve encountered Maharishi Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras before or not, the word “Yoga” is likely familiar to most. Just the mention of Yoga conjures images of twisted postures and serene faces in meditation. But here’s the catch: Yoga is far more than just practising physical asanas (postures). It embodies the union of individual consciousness with the Universal Consciousness, representing a profound harmony between the mind and body, as well as between humanity and nature.

The “Yoga Sutras” by Maharishi Patanjali serve as a valuable handbook to master your mind, containing 195 sutras thoughtfully organized into four chapters: samAdhipAda, sAdhanapAda, vibhUtipAda, and kaivalyapAda. These sutras are a pathway to quieting the mind, and spiritual growth enabling one to perceive reality as it truly is, rather than how it appears on the surface.

With that concise introduction to Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, let’s delve into the review of “The Yoga Sutras for Children” by Roopa Pai.

The initial question that arises is why present such a highly philosophical text to children, especially when even adults sometimes struggle to grasp and apply its teachings. But trust me, it’s the younger generation, the kids, who face peer pressure, stress, decision fatigue, and other challenges (a few words we didn’t even know existed) that need this book the most. Why? Because their minds are inundated with numerous thoughts and emotions, and the concept of simply being at peace without any productivity seems foreign to them.

Read an excerpt from the book, here: There’s no time like the present!


So, how can this book help?

To begin, the author Roopa Pai has done an exceptional job of contextualizing the teachings of Maharishi Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras and captivating readers with a compelling elevator pitch that draws them in and keeps them engaged. Through her skilful approach, she makes the seemingly complex Yoga Sutras more accessible, providing relatable and practical applications for each sutra. As a result, readers can apply these teachings to enhance their lives and function at their best. The book serves as a valuable guide for personal growth and self-improvement, catering to readers of all ages and backgrounds.

In this book, she covers the first two chapters, samAdhipAda and sAdhanapAda, out of the four chapters (with the anticipation of a sequel for the remaining two) in the Yoga Sutras. Even these two chapters are thoughtfully broken down into sizable chunks for easy digestion of the concepts – or rather, the profound wisdom – that Maharshi Patanjali penned down centuries ago.

What makes it even more appealing is the impeccable structure and presentation of the book. Roopa Pai skillfully ensures that it resonates with both atheists and theists alike. Moreover, she adeptly draws comparisons across various religions and faiths, illuminating the striking similarities and underscoring the text’s secularity and universal principles. This approach adds depth and inclusivity to the book, making it relatable and insightful for readers of diverse beliefs and backgrounds.

Roopa has a profound understanding of her audience and expertly provides the necessary context for readers to comprehend the origins and nuances of these ancient texts. Simultaneously, she effectively highlights the relevance of the sutras in the contemporary era.

The interactive language she employs is exceptionally captivating, without compromising on clarity or depth. The book encompasses practical exercises that resonate with readers of all ages.

Notable Features

  • The unique chat boxes that simulate conversations between Maharishi Patanjali and the reader, creating an immersive experience that feels like someone is articulating our very thoughts and inquiries. This creative and engaging approach adds an extra dimension to the reading experience, fostering a personal connection between the reader and the teachings, making the book all the more impactful and enjoyable.
  • Additionally, the “Do It!” and “Think About It” boxes, containing relevant activities and exercises for our present times, encourage readers to apply the principles of Yoga Sutras in their day-to-day lives, enabling them to experience the benefits firsthand.
  • The pronunciation guide at the end of the book ensures that readers can correctly grasp and pronounce the Sanskrit terms (along with their English transliterations) used in the text, enhancing the reader’s understanding of the content.
  • Furthermore, the ready reckoner serves as a convenient quick-reference guide, making it easier for readers to revisit key concepts and insights as needed.
  • The black and white illustrations by Sayan Mukherjee are not only visually appealing but also aid in comprehending the information being conveyed, adding depth to the reader’s understanding.

These practical elements showcase the author’s dedication to making the book reader-friendly and accessible, further enhancing the value of this already excellent work. I absolutely love it!

Wrap-up words

Overall, “Yoga Sutras for Children” impressively caters to its target audience while holding the attention of mature readers as well. Roopa’s expertise shines through as she brings these ancient teachings to life, making them accessible and applicable to our modern lives. Whether you are a parent, teacher, or anyone seeking mental well-being and spiritual growth, this book offers valuable insights and practices to navigate the complexities of life. I highly recommend it for both children and adults looking to cultivate inner peace and harmony.

So what are you waiting for? As Maharishi Patanjali has said and the author Roopa Pai has beautifully decoded for us, “NOW is the good time to start!”
अथ योगानुशासनम्॥1॥

(Patanjali Yoga Sutra, shloka 1.1)

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Recommended Read

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