Book Review Archives - Outset Books https://outsetbooks.com/category/book-review/ A Pitstop for Books Tue, 29 Jul 2025 01:01:24 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.7 https://i0.wp.com/outsetbooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/cropped-logo-outset-jpg.jpg?fit=32%2C32&ssl=1 Book Review Archives - Outset Books https://outsetbooks.com/category/book-review/ 32 32 222793500 The Not To Do List – Unconventional Journey Toward Self-awareness https://outsetbooks.com/2025/07/the-not-to-do-list/ https://outsetbooks.com/2025/07/the-not-to-do-list/#respond Tue, 29 Jul 2025 01:01:20 +0000 https://outsetbooks.com/?p=1916 In a world overflowing with self-help books that tell you what to do, this book stands out boldly by focusing on what not to do. Built on the foundation of aThe Not To Do List, the author takes readers on a refreshingly unconventional journey toward self-awareness and personal success. Rather than delivering dry advice or […]

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In a world overflowing with self-help books that tell you what to do, this book stands out boldly by focusing on what not to do. Built on the foundation of aThe Not To Do List, the author takes readers on a refreshingly unconventional journey toward self-awareness and personal success. Rather than delivering dry advice or clichés, each chapter uses sarcasm and wit to highlight habits that sabotage our progress.

Not to do list

Wading Through the Chapters

Every chapter opens with an ironic, tongue-in-cheek invitation to continue the very behavior the book aims to discourage, only to then be shown how damaging such habits truly are. This reverse-psychology approach keeps the tone lively and the content highly relatable, and delivering a dose of introspection.
Following the humorous opening, the author shifts gears to break down the consequences of each harmful habit mentioned in the not to do list— whether it’s constant multitasking, overcommitting, comparing oneself to others, or chasing perfection. These aren’t just surface-level observations; many chapters include insights that challenge widely accepted myths and societal norms, offering a fresh perspective that feels both relevant and necessary.
What makes the book truly effective is its format: after dissecting each toxic habit, the author offers practical alternatives. Instead of merely saying “don’t do this,” the book shows “here’s a better way.” These suggestions are simple yet powerful, making them easy to implement without overwhelming the reader.

Everything for Your Success

Despite its humorous tone, the book does not trivialize the issues it addresses. It uses satire as a tool to cut through resistance and defensiveness, creating space for genuine reflection. In doing so, it becomes more engaging than preachy — a rarity in the self-help genre
The Not To Do List is perfect for readers who appreciate directness, enjoy a good laugh, and are ready to confront their own self-sabotaging behaviors with honesty and a hint of humor. A must-read for anyone seeking personal growth without boring motivation texts.

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Quirky and Intriguing – For No Reason At all https://outsetbooks.com/2025/05/quirky-and-intriguing-for-no-reason-at-all/ https://outsetbooks.com/2025/05/quirky-and-intriguing-for-no-reason-at-all/#respond Tue, 13 May 2025 07:36:15 +0000 https://outsetbooks.com/?p=1909 For No Reason at All by Ramjee Chandran is a fast-moving political satire set in 1980s New Delhi. Inspired by true events, the story centers around a major controversy in India’s technology sector: whether to support local innovation or depend on foreign imports. Review – For No Reason At All The novel follows Solly Nilla, […]

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For No Reason at All by Ramjee Chandran is a fast-moving political satire set in 1980s New Delhi. Inspired by true events, the story centers around a major controversy in India’s technology sector: whether to support local innovation or depend on foreign imports.

For no reason at all

Review – For No Reason At All

Rating: 4 out of 5.

The novel follows Solly Nilla, a young and smart lobbyist who works for Metkem Silicon, a company trying to produce silicon metal in India with help from the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore. But not everyone is happy about this. Anand Seshadri, a powerful government official, wants to import the technology from the U.S. instead. He begins to take sneaky and dishonest steps to stop Metkem from succeeding.

When Solly starts receiving strange calls—from the Soviet Embassy, the French, the Americans, and even Indian intelligence—the story takes a sharp turn into the world of espionage and diplomacy. What begins as a trade dispute quickly becomes a thrilling mix of politics, secrets, and global power games.

Narration

What makes the book enjoyable is Chandran’s writing style. It’s witty, clever, and often funny. He doesn’t just focus on the politics; he also shows the personal lives and moral dilemmas of the characters. Solly, in particular, is an interesting lead—smart but flawed, charming yet unsure.The book captures the mood of India during a time of major change. It shows how politics, business, and international relations can become deeply tangled, and how decisions that seem simple on the surface can have wide-reaching effects

Conclusion

For No Reason at All is not just a story of spies and politics—it’s also about ambition, power, and the struggles of doing the right thing in a system filled with pressure and corruption.Overall, this is a smart, entertaining read that mixes humor with seriousness, and fiction with fact. It will appeal to anyone who enjoys political thrillers, Indian history, or stories with a bit of everything—drama, satire, and even a touch of romance.

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The Tamils by Nirmala Lakshman – A Journey Through Culture and History https://outsetbooks.com/2025/03/tamils-by-nirmala-lakshman/ https://outsetbooks.com/2025/03/tamils-by-nirmala-lakshman/#respond Fri, 14 Mar 2025 16:48:58 +0000 https://outsetbooks.com/?p=1903 I stumbled upon The Tamils by Nirmala Lakshman. As a Malayali, I have always been aware of Tamil culture to some extent. We share a long history, a linguistic bond, and cultural similarities, yet I realized I had never delved deeply into the evolution of the Tamil people. This book intrigued me, promising a detailed exploration of one of the world’s most ancient and continuous civilizations.

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It has been a long time—precisely a year and a half—since I last reviewed a book in depth. While I have shared a few quick thoughts on books here and there, I felt the need to revive my craft as a reviewer. To do so, I wanted to choose a book that resonated with my cultural roots, something that felt familiar yet unexplored. That’s when I stumbled upon The Tamils by Nirmala Lakshman. As a Malayali, I have always been aware of Tamil culture to some extent. We share a long history, a linguistic bond, and cultural similarities. Yet I realized I had never delved deeply into the evolution of the Tamil people. This book intrigued me, promising a detailed exploration of one of the world’s most ancient and continuous civilizations.

Tamils

The Tamils – Book That Bridges the Past and Present

The Tamils is not a dry historical account or an academic textbook. However, carries the weight of a well-researched scholarly work. Nirmala Lakshman has crafted informative and engaging narrative. It strikes a balance between history and storytelling. The book traces the journey of the Tamil people from their ancient roots to their modern identity. This it explores aspects of language, literature, art, music, religion, and social structures. What makes this book truly remarkable is the way it connects historical facts and cultural heritage. While reading, I felt a natural inclination to explore Tamil music, poetry, and temple architecture, trying to find the echoes of history in them. The book subtly prompts you to look at Tamil culture beyond what is commonly known. Beyond cinema, beyond filter coffee, and even beyond Bharatanatyam.

History That Feels Personal

One of the most captivating aspects of The Tamils is how it portrays the sense of belonging that Tamils feel toward their heritage. The book does not merely list historical events. It delves into what it truly means to be Tamil. It highlights how their language is not just a means of communication

It’s a deep-rooted identity, a thread that connects them across centuries and continents. Even though I come from a neighboring state, I was surprised by how little I knew about the depth of Tamil heritage. The book introduced me to aspects I had never considered. The interwoven influences of different religions, the contributions of Tamil scholars to global knowledge, and the resilience of a people who have preserved their culture despite various political and social changes.

A Few Shortcomings

While the book is rich in detail, at times, it feels like it leans too much toward a structured historical approach. Some chapters could have been more immersive, allowing readers to experience Tamil culture more viscerally rather than absorbing it as information. That said, the book never becomes tedious, thanks to the author’s engaging writing style.

Final Thoughts – The Tamils

The Tamils by Nirmala Lakshman is a must-read for anyone interested in history, culture, and identity. Whether you are Tamil, Malayali, or from any other background, this book offers an enriching perspective on a civilization that has influenced the world in many ways. It is a book that does not just tell history. It makes you feel it. For those looking to explore the richness of Tamil heritage, this book is an excellent place to start.

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Painful Yet Engaging – Living Without Him https://outsetbooks.com/2024/12/1897/ https://outsetbooks.com/2024/12/1897/#respond Sun, 22 Dec 2024 03:45:34 +0000 https://outsetbooks.com/?p=1897 The author begins the book with a heartfelt note, apologizing in advance for the tears readers might shed while journeying through its pages. And indeed, the apology is justified. This book is a deeply emotional ride, one that tugs at the heartstrings and leaves a stabbing pain in its wake. It’s the kind of story […]

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The author begins the book with a heartfelt note, apologizing in advance for the tears readers might shed while journeying through its pages. And indeed, the apology is justified. This book is a deeply emotional ride, one that tugs at the heartstrings and leaves a stabbing pain in its wake. It’s the kind of story that makes you pause, reflect, and feel the weight of life’s unfairness.

Not the conventional plot

At its core, the book doesn’t follow the conventional rules of character building or plot development. Instead, it embraces the chaos and unpredictability of life itself. Raw, unfiltered, and painfully real, it’s a narrative that resonates with anyone who has faced grief, loss, or the challenges of rebuilding after a devastating fall.

What truly sets this book apart is the way the author weaves hope into the heartbreak. While it reminds us of life’s cruelties, it also inspires us to move forward, to dream again, and to pick up the pieces no matter how shattered they seem. The way the author portrays this resilience is nothing short of exemplary.

A writer in the making

The preface humbly mentions that writing is not the author’s profession, yet this claim quickly fades as you delve deeper into the story. The narrative is so compelling, so immersive, that you are drawn in completely, unable to put the book down until the final word.

This book is not just a story—it’s an emotional experience. Keep tissues handy because the pain of loss is portrayed so vividly, it feels personal. Just when you think you’ve come to terms with it, the twists hit you even harder.

Writing this review wasn’t easy, as it’s difficult to separate my own emotions from the story. All I can do is send love and prayers to Minerva. Keep fighting, and keep writing.

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Poignant, Relatable Medical Romance – Till Fate Do Us Part by Smitha Das Jain https://outsetbooks.com/2024/08/poignant-relatable-medical-romance-till-fate-do-us-part-by-smitha-das-jain/ https://outsetbooks.com/2024/08/poignant-relatable-medical-romance-till-fate-do-us-part-by-smitha-das-jain/#respond Sat, 17 Aug 2024 04:27:46 +0000 https://outsetbooks.com/?p=1887 To be a parent to a special child is not easy. Whatever you do is never enough. Your emotions and feelings go haywire but the deepest emotional turmoil goes unnoticed. The fear of judgment and guilt prevails. Amidst the chaos when the heart aches for love, there is no right and wrong. The situations and […]

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To be a parent to a special child is not easy. Whatever you do is never enough. Your emotions and feelings go haywire but the deepest emotional turmoil goes unnoticed. The fear of judgment and guilt prevails. Amidst the chaos when the heart aches for love, there is no right and wrong. The situations and choices are beyond judgment. Smita Das Jain has hit the bull’s eye once again through her medical romance: Till Fate Do Us Part.

Till Fate Do Us Part by Smita Das Jain

Blurb

When fate intervenes, can love prevail? Doctor Gaurang’s ordinary life takes an extraordinary turn when Vedika, a corporate professional burdened by life’s challenges, enters his examination room. Sparks fly as they delve into treatment options for Vedika’s daughter’s rare medical condition, awakening emotions long dormant. An unforeseen event hurls their worlds into chaos, blurring the lines between duty and desire. As Vedika’s estranged husband, Rohan, reenters the picture, the trio confront difficult choices that could either break them apart or offer a path to redemption. Join them on a heartrending journey of love, sacrifice, and the enduring strength of invisible bonds. Can love mend what destiny has broken, or will fate do them part?

Review

The author has a quintessential style of bringing the emotions of the characters with seamless shades that unknowingly emanate to the reader. The book offers a profound exploration of human emotions. The emotions are woven into the lives of its characters in a way that resonates deeply with readers. The author paints a vivid picture of the emotional turmoil of the characters, allowing the reader to feel the characters’ joys, sorrows, and struggles as if they were their own, in this medical romance. This seamless blending of emotions into the narrative is one of the book’s greatest strengths.

The Plot

The story begins with a consultation, where Vedika and her husband Rohan meet Dr. Gaurang. Right from the outset, the author captures the pain and guilt that Vedika and Rohan feel as parents. They feel they are unable to fully care for their daughter, who is on the Autistic Spectrum. The anguish of discovering their daughter’s locked knees too late is depicted with such conviction that it pulls at the reader’s heartstrings. This raw portrayal of parental guilt and sets a painful tone for the characters. Further, as the plot develops, we see how the emotions diverge with situations. As Gaurang develops feelings for Vedika and she, despite having feelings, decides to concentrate on her daughter, the readers see a responsible mother and sorted woman. But due to her situation, when she loses the plot we can see a raw human in flesh and blood. As the medical romance expands, the emotions and circumstances become more complex and poignant.

Characters

The author explores Gaurang’s internal conflict as he grapples with his growing feelings for Vedika while he is torn between his professional duties and matters of the heart. This emotional tug-of-war is depicted with subtlety, adding complexity to the narrative. The characters are carefully crafted making them relatable and multidimensional. Each character is given the space to develop and connect with the readers.

Vedika finds herself caught in a poignant struggle between her duty as a mother and the emotions stirring within her. This internal conflict adds depth to her character, making her journey all the more compelling. As her husband Rohan reenters the picture, the plot takes an unexpected twist, further complicating her situation and adding layers of tension and intrigue.

Though Vedika and Gaurang are the protagonists, my heart was aching for Rohan. With all his flaws, I could see a relatable reality in his character craft. His reactions, his fear of judgement, his feelings of guilt, and his practical sense of living.

A small dip in the narrative

While the author excels in bringing out the emotions of the characters and crafting a complex narrative, there is a slight drawback. In certain parts of the book, the emphasis on literary style occasionally overshadows the emotional nuances. At times the plot detracts from the raw feelings the characters are experiencing, creating moments where the emotional connection with the reader feels somewhat diluted. Despite this, the book remains a powerful exploration of human emotions and relationships, with its strengths far outweighing the minor flaws of this medical romance.

Overall, the book is a beautifully written exploration of human relationships and emotions. The author’s ability to convey the complexities of love, guilt, and duty with such conviction makes this a compelling read. It is a story that lingers with the reader, leaving them to reflect on the intricacies of the human heart long after the last page is turned.

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A Journey to Serenity: A Review of “Welcome to Paradise” by Twinkle Khanna https://outsetbooks.com/2024/03/welcome-to-paradise/ https://outsetbooks.com/2024/03/welcome-to-paradise/#respond Sun, 31 Mar 2024 03:57:14 +0000 https://outsetbooks.com/?p=1877 In "Welcome to Paradise" by Twinkle Khanna, readers are not just transported to a different world, but to an entire universe of emotions, wit, and introspection. Khanna, known for her unique blend of humor and insight, delivers yet again with this delightful novel.

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As a seasoned reader, I have always believed that a good book has the power to transport you to another world. In “Welcome to Paradise” by Twinkle Khanna, readers are not just transported to a different world, but to an entire universe of emotions, wit, and introspection. Khanna, known for her unique blend of humor and insight, delivers yet again with this delightful novel.

Welcome to Paradise by Twinkle Khanna

What sets “Welcome to Paradise” apart is Khanna’s masterful storytelling. Her prose is both witty and poignant, effortlessly weaving together humor and depth. The characters are vividly drawn, each with their own quirks and complexities, making them feel like old friends by the end of the book. But beyond its entertaining plot and charming characters, “Welcome to Paradise” offers readers a deeper exploration of themes such as identity, self-discovery, and the pursuit of fulfillment. Khanna encourages readers to reflect on their own lives – their choices, their relationships, and what it truly means to find happiness in a world full of chaos.

The author has broken stereotypes through her stories and has delved into unconventional realms of emotions. The twists in the climax would leave us thinking about the characters and a lot of unsaid emotions leave the readers wondering what is left behind in the minds of the characters.

Some stories could be extrapolated to a full blown novel for the sheer fact that the emotions were left unexplored. Her stories talking about feminism, second chances, unconventional relationship and the societal evils without talking about them.

In conclusion, “Welcome to Paradise” is a delightful read that offers a perfect blend of humor, heart, and introspection. Twinkle Khanna’s sharp wit and insightful storytelling make this novel a must-read for anyone looking for a captivating escape into a world of laughter and self-discovery. So grab a copy, pour yourself a drink, and prepare to be whisked away to paradise.

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Refugee By Nikhil Khasnabish – Simple Yet Complicated Account Of Assam NRC https://outsetbooks.com/2023/11/refugee-by-nikhil-khasnabish-a-account-of-assam-nrc/ https://outsetbooks.com/2023/11/refugee-by-nikhil-khasnabish-a-account-of-assam-nrc/#respond Thu, 09 Nov 2023 06:00:16 +0000 https://outsetbooks.com/?p=1818 To craft a story around this mishap, extensive research is needed. Refugee by Nikhil Khasnabish throw light into the lives of the refugees who are struggling to prove their citizenship and complications as well as bureaucratic delays in Assam NRC.

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The partition resulted in one of the largest mass migrations in history, with millions of people moving across the newly created borders. Needless to say the communal violence, with Hindus and Sikhs migrating to India and Muslims moving to Pakistan. This period of violence and displacement is remembered for its tragic consequences, with estimates of hundreds of thousands of people losing their lives. To craft a story around this mishap, extensive research is needed. Refugee by Nikhil Khasnabish throw light into the lives of the refugees who are struggling to prove their citizenship and complications as well as bureaucratic delays in Assam NRC.

Refugee by Nikhil Khasnabish

Blurb

Gunen Sarkar, a riot victim, comes to Assam in 1964 as a refugee from East Pakistan. He is separated from his wife, son, and one-year-old daughter in a forest. He settles in a small village. Despite his poverty and adverse situations, he never stops searching for his family. The NRC, which is compulsory for all citizens of Assam, creates new problems for him those who are unable to produce valid documents and get their names registered in the NRC will be put in detention camps and deported. But he has no legacy data, the most important document. What will happen to him? Will he ever find his family?

Assam NRC

My review

The plot begins with the happy go lucky life of Gunen Sarkar when he leads an innocent life in his village. His life changes irreversibly after he sets out in search for him cow. He approaches a Gypsy who entrusts some money and an amulet with him and assures that he will get his cow back once he delivers the package to the right person on time.

On the way back he witnesses riots breaking out in the vicinity and later realises that he has been separated from his family and is forced to flee from the land he has been inhabiting since birth. Further the readers witness the struggles that he faces on his way back to India through East Pakistan. On reaching Indian he is stamped the refugee status. Since he left for India without any time for prior preparation, he didn’t have any valid documents. Once again his existence is questioned.

The Assam NRC process has been a complex and controversial one, with various cutoff dates and legal challenges. We read about it in newspapers and chose to forget about it. There were scores of people who have been struggling to find a foot ground where they can live without the fear of deportation. It is to this precarious situation that the author throws light on.

The narration

The style of narration is simple which enables novice readers to pick up the book. Through the book, the YA readers get an idea about what has happened during partition and afterwards. Though the book is categorized under adult/contemporary fiction, it is invariably appropriate for kids as well. It also falls under historical fiction though the historical details are not cited. The pace of the plot is moderate and the incidents could have been maneuvered seamlessly.

Characters

The characters of the book lacked variation. For instance, the Gunen’s family is adressed on the periphery. To establish his pain to the readers, it is imperative that the readers connect with the characters in his family. The author has tried to provide definition with the idiosyncrasies and looks. But the depth of the characters are lacking, especially since it is an emotionally laden scenario. One tight round of developmental edit could have compensated for this. However, the readers would be connected to Gunen and his dilemma. When he sets out in search of cow, when he gets the package from Gypsy, when he had to flee and when he struggles to prove his citizenship with Assam NRC, the readers would feel for him because his innocence is palpable.

Climax

The author has left a sliver of hope through the climax, which proclaims that the intention of the author is to let the world know how the refugees have lost sleep, peace of mind and existence during Assam NRC issues were rife. For a layman who takes the fellow beings for granted, the book is an eyeopener.

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She, The Leader By Nidhi Sharma – Unbiased Account Of Famous Female Politicians in Indian History. https://outsetbooks.com/2023/10/she-the-leader-by-nidhi-sharma-unbiased-account-of-famous-female-politicians-in-indian-history/ https://outsetbooks.com/2023/10/she-the-leader-by-nidhi-sharma-unbiased-account-of-famous-female-politicians-in-indian-history/#respond Sun, 29 Oct 2023 08:29:11 +0000 https://outsetbooks.com/?p=1799 When I think about women in politics, Indira Gandhi was the only name that comes to my mind. If speaking about current situation Sonia Gandhi and Smriti Irani would be the names. After reading She, The Leader,by Nidhi Sharma I am shocked to know that so many stalwarts in Indian politics remain uncelebrated or they […]

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When I think about women in politics, Indira Gandhi was the only name that comes to my mind. If speaking about current situation Sonia Gandhi and Smriti Irani would be the names. After reading She, The Leader,by Nidhi Sharma I am shocked to know that so many stalwarts in Indian politics remain uncelebrated or they are celebrated by the regional politics. The names like Vasundhara Raje and Sucheta Kripalani were the names that were forgotten in the textbook pages. But now I know all the famous female politicians in Indian History up close.

She, the leader

She, The leader

Blurb

Politics is still considered an unusual career choice for Indian women. This is perhaps why there are just eighty-one women members of parliament in the seventeenth Lok Sabha (2019–24), constituting only 15 per cent of the strength of the Lok Sabha today. Yet, though small in number, these leaders have brought a unique sensitivity to policy-making in India and continue to inspire younger women to become the next generation of political leaders. In She, the Leader: Women in Indian Politics, Nidhi Sharma profiles seventeen trailblazing women politicians who have fought social inequalities and patriarchal attitudes and created their own brand of politics in the national discourse.

Divided into four parts, the book begins with ‘The Pioneers’, which focuses on two exemplary women leaders of the twentieth century and their distinctly different political paths—Indira Gandhi, India’s first and only woman prime minister, and Sucheta Kriplani, India’s first woman chief minister. The second part, ‘The Inheritors’, reflects on the achievements of the women leaders who inherited their political careers from a male member of the family or a political benefactor, namely Sonia Gandhi, J. Jayalalithaa, Vasundhara Raje, Sheila Dikshit, and Mayawati.

This is followed by ‘The Lone Warriors’, featuring Pratibha Patil, Sushma Swaraj, Mamata Banerjee, Brinda Karat, and Ambika Soni—women who, though they had no political background, chose politics as their vocation and charted their own course. ‘The Future Leaders’, the final section, profiles up-and-coming women leaders to watch out for: Smriti Z. Irani, Supriya Sule, Kavitha Kalvakuntla, Kanimozhi Karunanidhi, and Ampareen Lyngdoh. Almost all of these leaders have fought and won elections, nurtured constituencies, and created their own unique political legacy. Taken together, the profiles in She, the Leader show us the immense contribution women politicians have made to the Indian political scene.

Review

Speaking of women in politics, the majority of women have risen to power under the shade of nepotism in politics. Even the most powerful woman leader in Indian politics Indira Gandhi was born into a politically powerful family and grew up amidst the social scenario. She had politics in her blood and guidance in her brain. However leaders like Smriti Irani, and Sushma Swaraj without any political legacy to celebrate have also risen to power with sheer determination and hardwork.

The author has rightfully segregated the leaders in terms of how they came to power. The readers get to see the snippets of their personal life as well as growth of professional life through the book. The author has surmised the lives of the readers in a respectful narrative still without losing the spicy details that the readers would want to know about. The book is quick and abstract and hence the readers could easily read through the lives of each leader. However a detailed insight about the leaders is lacking. I feel the concentration was more towards Indira Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi about how their emotional turmoil has influenced their political advancement. However the author has remained unbiased in addressing each leaders irrespective of their political allegiance.

Women who fought their way up

The book shows up how women without any backup or legacy found their calling and successfully built their political career on the basis of pure merit. It is a pleasure to read about the real life heroines and their life. However, some of the leaders stories were rushed through and I would want to have a detailed account of their lives. The book targets the non fiction lovers who want to read the fighting spirit of famous female politicians in real life.

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The Age Of Scientific Wellness – A Book That Tells Us How To Improve Healthcare Quality https://outsetbooks.com/2023/10/how-to-improve-healthcare-quality/ https://outsetbooks.com/2023/10/how-to-improve-healthcare-quality/#comments Sun, 08 Oct 2023 02:19:12 +0000 https://outsetbooks.com/?p=1778 Science has outgrown every expectation and medicines for every ailment have been in place and to improve healthcare quality. Longevity has touched heights and life expectancy is also high. But are we leading a quality life? In this era of AI, it is treating diseases enough. The Age of Scientific Wellness by Leroy Hood and Nathan Prince is a comprehensive study of how we should be proactive rather than reactive.

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Health is the state of being well and free from illness. Science has outgrown every expectation and medicines for every ailment have been in place and to improve healthcare quality. Longevity has touched heights and life expectancy is also high. But are we leading a quality life? In this era of AI, it is treating diseases enough. The Age of Scientific Wellness by Leroy Hood and Nathan Prince is a comprehensive study of how we should be proactive rather than reactive.

How to improve Healthcare Quality

How to improve healthcare quality – Leroy Hood and Nathan Prince don’t mince the words

The book aims at enabling us to optimize our health. With the suggestions of unprecedented techniques the authors open a new world of health in front of the readers. The world is open to treatment of symptoms and proudly beam in the technological advancements that we have never seen before. But are we indeed aware of the real ‘technology’ available to us? But extending our health span in comparison to the yester years are we indeed way ahead in science and technology? Apparently we are but we are not aware of the real cutting edge technology available to us. 

Only a minority knows that with AI empowered technology and genome sequencing, we can predict the disease years before the symptoms arise. With this technology, it is even possible to eliminate cancer and effectively address diseases like Alzheimer’s even before we know it. The sad reality is that only the rich and privileged have access to the technology as it is available at an exorbitant price. But don’t we deserve to know what is available for us.

The proactive steps to improve healthcare quality

The authors of the age of scientific wellness aim at providing the information at the fingertips of the readers. The information available in the book are priceless and I bet you would drop your jaw to know that some of the dystopian fantasies are indeed a reality. However the authors identify the reality that we are not ready for a robot overload and urges to find an interim solution.

The language of the book is too technical for a layman to process. If someone with no knowledge about the medical field reads this, they will be lost among the jargons. For someone who is keen at knowing the advancement in the medical and scientific field the book is a treasure to keep. With the slow pace of information flow, the book is sure to remain relevant for another two decades. An important highlight of the books is that it gives us practical solutions which we can try right away – diet, exercise, sleep and stress management. Also if we have any known family history we could try to alter our lifestyle to prepare ourselves for an impending lifestyle disorder. The book holds so vast information that the readers would have something or the other to relate to with respect to their loved ones or the ones they know.

No medicine is better than ineffective medicine

While I deal with my clients of wellness programs, some of them chose to ditch their medicine and go forward with the wellness routine. However, I suggested them to continue their medication as I was no one to decide on the possible positive or negative repercussions. However, some of them felt better without medications and some had to go back to their psychiatrists. While I reviewed Young Mental Health by Meera Haran Alva and Amrita Tripathi, we also came across various case studies.This forced me to zero in that sometime ditching the medicine can be helpful but not always.

The authors bravely challenged the inefficacy of some medicines and despite having the risk of a painful final days the author’s partner stopped the medicines and got better. However , the discretion of the readers is imperative in this case and it would be puerile to reach an assumption without reading through the book. With a careful approach the book could help you look out for various avenues to improve healthcare quality especially for terminal illnesses like cancer and neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s.

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Guided Meditation Guidance For Laymen – The Blooming Lotus By Thich Nhat Hanh https://outsetbooks.com/2023/09/guided-meditation-guidance-for-laymen-the-blooming-lotus-by-thich-nhat-hanh/ https://outsetbooks.com/2023/09/guided-meditation-guidance-for-laymen-the-blooming-lotus-by-thich-nhat-hanh/#comments Fri, 22 Sep 2023 13:56:17 +0000 https://outsetbooks.com/?p=1768 Thich Nhat Hanh, through his book, The Blooming of a Lotus, has provided a Pandora's box of guided meditation guidance transcripts.

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Mediation and mindfulness are two terms that are used synonymously by everyone. While meditation is an inherent part of mindfulness, to attain the state of trance with meditation guided meditation guidance is vital. Thich Nhat Hanh, through his book, The Blooming of a Lotus, has provided a Pandora’s box of guided meditation transcripts.

The Blooming of a Lotus by Thich Nhat Hanh – Guided meditation guidance for laymen

Being a mindfulness coach and a meditation teacher, I have always been intrigued by various aspects of different forms of meditation. Be it energy meditation, love and kindness meditation, or visualization meditation, the guided meditation process enhances the experience of shifting awareness. The guide/guru knows what to concentrate on and when. However, not everyone can listen to guided meditation all the time. Hence the author has provided a bunch of guided mediations, which could reach the readers so that they could learn and value your capability.

The meditation process has been explained in detail in each section. The author directs us as to what to imagine and tell ourselves while we meditate or provide guided meditation to others. There are clear instructions as to what to say or imagine while taking each breath. This, if practiced with sincerity could deliver unfathomable results. The book takes us to a new realm of emotions like the book Ultimate Reality did.

Buddhist ideology and meditation

For a follower of the Buddhist lifestyle, Thich Nhat Hanh and his guided meditation guidance is not new. But for someone like me, it was endearing to read the meditation and mindfulness ideologies. I have upheld them till now, have seamlessly integrated with the principles that I have upheld. The book somehow proved that there is only one universal language of happiness – peace. The meditations have a variety of themes. The book makes us feel the love for ourselves and the living beings around us. Moreover, the book has guided meditation for all aspects of life. The author, through the book, teaches us to control and navigate our emotions. If the readers follow the meditations given in the book, a transformation in their lives is a guarantee.

If not for meditation, reading the book as a piece of literature could also deliver a palpable and lucid feeling of fulfillment and peace. When the author says “We want to look deeply into your suffering and learn from it”, the readers would transform into a child. It gives immense satisfaction to be counted on.

The book is for all those who need validation, for the ones who lack self-confidence. It’s also for the ones who find it difficult to handle emotions. The book is also for those who want to know more about guided meditations.

Blurb

In The Blooming of a Lotus, Thich Nhat Hanh, one of the world’s most revered Buddhist teachers, presents a lucid, yet powerful guide to building loving relationships, cultivating compassion, and fostering a deeper sense of commitment to the self. Through a range of meditation exercises, this book teaches both beginners and seasoned practitioners how to regulate their patterns of consumption. And actions to become more aware and, as a result, prevent grief and anger from driving our decisions. Thematically organized according to the complex bonds we share with our physical bodies, our inner world, and the outside world. The Blooming of a Lotus is a meditative journey that will enable readers to experience a calmer, more rooted, and, ultimately, more joyous way of life.

About the author

Thich Nhat Hanh was one of the best-known Zen Buddhist teachers in the world. He was the author of numerous bestselling books. And he founded the Plum Village in southwest France where he taught the art of mindful living. He passed away in Hue, Vietnam, in January 2022.

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