I Am Beautiful

 “You want to become an actress! Have you seen your face in the mirror?”

She remembered the production-house’s casting-agent’s jeering words.

How he mocked her!

“I am beautiful the way I'm”, she assured herself.

 

She read the first draft of the book she had written.

It was titled- “I Am Beautiful”.

It was a self-help book.

In fact, it was actually a “note to self” book she had penned for herself.

The Beauty of Sanskrit Language and Texts

What is the meaning of mangalacharanam?

In which place was the Mahabharata composed?

How many seasons have been described by Kalidasa in his epic Ritusamhara?

What are the four vedas and the four upavedas?

What does Mrichhakatikam mean?

Are spirituality and religion the same thing?

Who compiled the Bhagavata Mahapurana?

If these questions teased your brain-cells, and you are unable to retrieve the answers, it is time to pick up this informative book about Sanskrit language and texts-

The Beauty of Sanskrit Language and Texts is written by Durga Prasad Dash.

It is one of the eBooks launched by the Blogchatter EBook Carnival this year.

Sanskrit is one of the most ancient languages of the world. It was the language of the intellectuals of India, prior to the Mughal invasion and reign. India has one of the most manuscripts in the world. Sanskrit texts are treasure-houses of India’s ancient wisdom. However, many of us are unaware. Many Indians have never studied Sanskrit in school. Had the British not interfered with our education system, we would perhaps have devoted more time and interest in studying this.

The Wedding Trousseau And Other Short Stories

The Wedding Trousseau and Other Short Stories by Ankita Sharma is a collection of eleven short stories with a kaleidoscope of various emotions- some inspired by real life, while others are a figment of imagination. 

In her debut book, the author brings some memorable and interesting characters to life. This book is suitable for readers of any age group.

Book Title, Cover, and Publication

The term 'wedding trousseau' is very rich and encompasses hopes and new beginnings. 'The Wedding Trousseau' is one of the stories of the collection. The author has chosen a great title for these eleven  stories about life. 

The title stands out on the soothing book cover. The back-cover has the image of a dog. The cover design is by - Abhinav Bhatt.

It was first published in 2015. This book is published and distributed in India by Humming Words Publishers, Faridabad, India.

The Missing Diary

My diary was missing.

I had looked for it everywhere.

It had my deepest secrets.

I was not too worried that anyone could read it.

I write using 'invisible ink' and only I can read the text...

I had been documenting for long.

Had someone stolen it?

Five Petals - A Collection of Five Short Stories

Five Petals by Chinmayee Gayatree Sahu is a collection of five short stories that bring together different aspects of life, while also sharing their lessons. In her debut book, the author brings to life the characters and the situations they face.

Book Title & Cover

The word 'petals' evokes fragrance and softness. 'Five Petals' is an apt title for five delicate stories. 

The book cover looks fresh with its different colours and assortments. Relationships are delicate and have so many flavours to savour.  

The Author

Chinmayee Gayatree Sahu has a rich experience in the corporate world having worked in various multinational companies and presently working as a Government employee. Her love for the magical world of books and passion for reading and writing has drawn her interest towards content creation. She writes quality articles, be it fiction or non-fiction that can engage her readers and give them wings of imagination. She blogs at - chinmayeecreations.wordpress.com.

Each of the five stories in her maiden ebook is a revelation imparting lessons.

Life: A Roller Coaster Ride!
This is the story of an enthusiastic and graceful girl and her suitors. 

What does Ridhima have to go through after college when she decides to marry? 

The weight of office-work and marriage how does she carry?
Who helps the star student to shine again?

Quarantined With Family
This is the story of a couple and how they cope with the Covid-19 lockdown.

What secrets does Mrs.Pattanaik learn about her children and home?
What was her husband, Mr. Pattanaik upto?
Set during the pandemic when March year-ending and many other events have gone for a toss, life has been thrown out of gear!
Depression, disorder, disturbance fill one with fear.

Dream Or Nightmare
This is the story of a bachelor who finds love; or does he really? 

What is the cost Vinod pays for freedom and for his job in the new place? 

Whom does he meet there?

Does he fall in love? 

Is there an engagement and wedding?

Do his eyes finally find his loved one?

Neetu & Aja 

This is the story of a girl and her grandfather.
Why is Aja partial to Neetu's brother, Raghav?

What does Neetu have to go through?

What does Aja write to her?

Beyond Borders

This is the story of a couple whose love has withstood time and borders.
What is the specialty of 'Fusion Resort'?

What makes Uncle John and Aunt Meenu a special pair?

To find out the answers of the above questions, do read this book!

In the author's words, this book- 

"can be enjoyed over a cup of tea/coffee and promises to take the readers into the five different worlds and provide a memorable experience."

The author's description of the characters makes them relatable. 

I liked the understanding and enthusiastic partners, family life, and lessons.

The author pays keen attention to details. 

We know exactly how Ridhima is dressed for the first day of college - even what shade of lipstick she is wearing! 

The reader can appreciate the variety of flowers and trees in Aja's rich garden!

"Aja" is the Odia word for maternal grandfather. I liked the author's use of the term. I remembered my Aja while reading the story and got very emotional. I took a trip to my Aja and Aaee's house, which is pretty similar to the one described in the story. The well-written letter brought tears to my eyes.

The author has a good grasp of human relations and has done a commendable job in expressing different emotions through her series of short stories. Her knowledge of the corporate world makes her seamlessly incorporate industry information in her stories.

A Note To The Author-

Dear Chinmayee,

Here are some words to you from me!

I agree what seems perfect may not be-
What's meant to be will happen ultimately.

Life is crazy with its turns and twists,
Keep moving on & emerge out of the mists! 

Just as discovered by the characters in your stories-

If life gives us locks, we must look for the keys! :)

A Note To The Reader-

Download "Five Petals" right away. It's available for free download just for a couple of days.

Just like the author has used words from the local language, it is our responsibility to endeavour to use the local words. Once we all start using, then they can become popular. 

I have shared this in my eBook - about the "Geographical Indications (GIs) of Odisha" that is available for free download here.

Dots & Streaks - Poetic Tales, Musings And More

Dots & Streaks by Ellora Mishra is a delightful book of interesting short poetic tales and musings that makes one think. Creative words with smart and keen observations express the understanding and empathy in the author's sensitive mind.

The short book description is interesting and welcoming:

A few dots

A few streaks

Short poetic tales

Musings of life’s

Crevices & creeks

The Author

Author Ellora Mishra hails from Odisha, India. She has had a bright academic career with degrees in Engineering and Business Management respectively from BITS Pilani and XIMB. Having spent twelve years as a professional corporate banker, Ellora has now chosen to pursue her passion of writing & other hobbies. She is presently based at Netherlands. She blogs at - Live Life To The Fullest.

 

My Village My Country - Mera Gaon Mera Desh

Roots are very special. No matter where we currently stay, a part of us still resides in our native place and the places we have stayed before. 

Memories have a magical effect as we take a trip down the lanes that have made a permanent place in our hearts and minds. 

Reading Shri Durga Prasad Dash's book, My Village My Country made me experience this connection.

Interesting Title

When I first saw the title of this book - "My Village My Country"; translated into Hindi, the theme means- "Mera Gaon Mera Desh", the Bollywood fan in me instantly remembered some Hindi movies and songs:

"Dharti sunahari; ambar neela; har mausam rangeela- eisa desh hai mera."

Golden earth; blue sky; every season is colourful - that's my country.

Apt and Attractive Cover

I also liked the apt and attractive cover page of "My Village My Country - Glimpses into the Heart and Soul of Hindustan". Don't fail to notice the streamers in the backdrop of the title. They are ubiquitous in every function of Odisha, and perhaps in other places of India too.

When I first saw the cover, I knew this was from one of the remote villages of Odisha, India.

Trustworthy Black Coffee #writebravely

She: They called me "Black Coffee" and laughed at me.

"I hear a thousand kind words about me and it makes no difference yet I hear one insult and all confidence shatters." – Rupi Kaur

Image : Pexels

Her sister: Why do you consider it as an insult?

She: My skin-colour is dark and I'm skinny, but does it give them the licence to call me "Black Coffee"?

Repeat The Stories

“The old typewriter had a mind of its own.”

Photo by Barbara W. Beacham; PhotoPrompt- Mondays Finish The Story

"Oh really?" the little girl opened her eyes and mouth wide as her grandfather told her yet another story, while her granny fed her.

Friend To Foe To Friend?

Despite being new to blogging, I won prizes.

One of my Social-Media 'friends' became my foe as she publicly accused me of plagiarism- that I have copied her ideas! 

I privately tried to reason it out with her that I never copy. 

She didn’t believe me & continued her allegations that affected my credibility. 

PHOTO PROMPT – Jean L. Hays; With permission from Friday Fictioneers

On The Bench

She loved him. When she asked if he did too, he was defensive.

She was needy of his love, but he had conditions...

PHOTO PROMPT Copyright- The Reclining Gentleman ; Pic used with permission from Friday Fictioneers