Blog

5 Books by Paulo Coelho that should be on your Booklist

Books & Reading

Paulo Coelho is a celebrated author of some of the most inspiring tales. He was born in Brazil on 24th, August, 1947. He had a very turbulent childhood and was a defiant teenager so his parents sent him to an asylum thrice. As Coelho reached the age of 38, he experienced a spiritual awakening while journeying through Spain. However, one book that created a frenzy in the literature circles was The Alchemist. The book nearly sold thirty five million copies worldwide.

Here, we have compiled a list of top 5 most inspiring and poignant books penned by Paulo Coelho. If you are interested to purchase these books, they are available exclusively at a trusted online marketplace.

1) Eleven Minutes

Eleven Minutes is based on the story of a youthful prostitute called Maria, whose first encounter with love leaves her brokenhearted. At a very tender age, she realizes that she will never be able to find love that will last forever. Then a stroke of luck takes her to Geneva, where she dreams of making a fortune and becoming famous yet she ends up as a prostitute. The protagonist then faces a dilemma, she has to choose between following a destructive path of sexual pleasure, or risking everything she has for the mere possibility of a type of sacred sex.

2) By the River Piedra I Sat Down and Wept

This is a heart wrenching story about a woman and her voyage to find herself. Pilar is the name of the protagonist who reunites with her childhood friend who has spent the last decade of his life journeying around the world, where he learns about different cultures and religions. He tries to enlighten Pilar with the knowledge he has acquired over the years. It is a poetic story of transformation of Pilar. This journey that Pilar and her friend undertake is filled with resentment, difficulties and demon of blame.

3) The Fifth Mountain

For a truly electrifying reading experience, The Fifth Mountain should definitely be on your reading list. In this book Coelho retells the tale of Prophet Elijah who had to flee from Israel. He falls in love with a widow in Zarephath. As the story unfolds, Elijah’s new found love and dreams are cut short. It is an incredible work of historical fiction where Paulo Coelho discovers the issues of faith that are relevant in the present century as well as in the 9th century B.C.

4) Inspirations by Paulo Coelho

There is no doubt that Paulo Coelho is the most loved story teller. In this book he has selected some of his personal favorite pieces from the literary classics. The author displays amazing skill in formatting the collection into four distinct substances that are eternal and uncreated: Water, Air, Fire and Earth. This books includes classics from inspiring authors including, Oscar Wilde, Mary Shelley, Christian Andersen and D.H. Lawrence.

5) Manual of the Warrior of the Light

Paulo Coelho is the most distinguished storyteller of our time. With Manual of the Warrior of Light, he has presented a unique selection of philosophical tales that will excite the true readers everywhere. Every passage that the author has penned down invites the reader to embrace the life with all its uncertainties, to fulfill their destiny and to live out their dreams.

Disclaimer: The above article is not penned by Ifrah Waqar. It is a collaboration between kaymu.pk and the blog in-question.

Arsalan Hyder: The Game Changer

People & More

Celebrity or talent management is not a newly introduced concept in Pakistan. We sit comfortably amongst many top talent management agencies. Did you notice I used the word agency and not company?

The difference between an agency and a company lies in the thin line between a souteneur (pardon the obscene comparison) and a marketer. A management company is more interested in creating your brand name rather than focusing on the end-deal. In a country, where cricket is next to religion, there is certainly an astounding lack of athlete management companies or even niche agencies.

I mean, who manages your cricket stars?

Who looks after your hockey heroes?

Who takes care of the god-damn, Olympics winning team????

Who represents them in the commercial market?

Not that no-one, ever noticed this huge gap, but one man, against all odds (who by the way was not a millionaire at birth) decided to un-tap a market others perceived to be just cricketing stars and advertisements for a certain leading, soft-drink brand. (I am soooo getting spammed, once I post this online).

Allow me introduced to you, Arsalan H. Shah or known to his friends and peers as Arsalan Hyder. The one who knew there was more to athlete management than cricket and world cup campaigns. He is Founder and Director to Global Athlete Management Experts (GAME), Pakistan’s leading athlete/sports management company.

I was fortunate enough to request him for an exclusive, never-been-conceptualized-interview (and he even graciously agreed to pay for the coffee). The whole-point of this interview is to understand why a man, who comes from a learned family, leaves his well-established IT business and sets foot in the macabre that is athlete and sports management!

Location: Opera Cafe & Patisserie, Ramada Plaza, Karachi,
Time: 07:31 PM
Attire: Semi-formal
Status: Inkling
Photograph Courtesy: Mobeen Ansari

Ifrah Waqar – First of all thank you so very much for taking the time out for this exclusive piece of interview.

Arsalan Hyder – It’s my pleasure. Shoot!

Question – In a country where people only know agents and do not understand what managers are, you chose to call yourself a manager, why?

Answer – I knew that I wanted to change the whole perception. I wanted to above all, create awareness and make sure that people, athletes and the brands understood the difference between an agent and a manager. I was often asked to change myself to an agent to be able to land deals, but I did not intend to cut out a one-time deal, I wanted to work with leading athletes, set an example and bridge the way to an untapped market.

Question – What made you take this step? I mean why even consider establishing an athlete/sports management to stars already known and famous?

Answer – (Smiles) for me in Pakistan, where athletes/celebrities are only considered to attend weddings or appear as guests at events, I knew that there was no one to tell them of their market-worth. I wanted to eradicate this entire trend and bridge the gap between the brands and the stars.

Question – You decided to break away from norms and establish an athlete/sports management company. The obstacles must have been massive. Were they?

Answer – That’s the fun part! (Laughs) Lack of awareness for endorsements was something my team and I had to face a lot. The vision was limited. People have been involved in this business-model around the world and are creating employment, patronage and profitable opportunities every day. So why not in Pakistan! Other than that, finding the right formal people to work with and lack of professionalism is what my team and I have struggled with. But thankfully, and with the Grace of Almighty, I was blessed to receive tremendous encouragement from the industry and we are gearing towards the next level.

Question – Do you consider yourself a leader of this niche market?

Answer – Leader, manager, whatever you’d like to tag me. All I know that people in Pakistan and from around the world give me a call and inquire for an athlete who is not necessarily a cricketer. I want to be able to guide my team together as a unit towards a common goal.

Question – Do you exercise control around you?

Answer – Yes. I have to. Ideally this a one-man game but I believe in as I said in team work, I don’t shy away from delegating but yes I’d like to keep information of everyone and everything around me.

Question – What traits you think an athlete manager should possess?

Answer – Vision, perseverance, networking, and time Management and above all love what you do; do what you love.

Question – To what do you owe your success?

Answer – My team and hard work. Working with top professionals from around the world requires you to work with the best and I was blessed with an adequate learning curve and the best team possible.

Question – Can you tell us about a few of your clients?

Answer – We have worked with leading international brands like Pepsi, Procter and Gamble, Ariel, MoneyGram, Tack Kuwait, Shirzanan Global, Viacom18, Air Tel, as well as catered to big names in Pakistan including Ufone, QMobile, HBL, Voice, Dany Technologies, HELLO Pakistan! And this just makes 10% of our portfolio.

I have worked with leading Pakistani athletes like Jehangir Khan, Sohail Abbas, Shoaib Akhtar, Kiran Khan, Saeed Ajmal, Shahid Afridi, Ahmed Shehzad, Umar Akmal, Misbah-ul-Haq,Umar Gul, Inzamam-ul-Haq, Azhar Mehmood, Saqlain Mushtaq, Moin Khan, Muhammd Yusuf etc as well many international names like Brett Lee, Yusuf Pathan, Yuvraj, Scott Styris, Herschelle Gibbs, Adam Hollioake and more.

I take pride in exclusively taking care of the Legend, Wasim Akram’s business and philanthropic engagements. (Smiles) But there can altogether be a whole other interview on him. I owe my success in this field to the mentorship from Wasim Akram and I cannot be more thankful to this trust within my decisions and strategies.

Question – You have recently surfaced as the Manager and Treasurer to ‘The Akram Foundation’. Can you tell us a little about your plans for the foundation?

Answer – The foundation is the brainchild of Wasim and Shaniera Akram, and together with their support, we as TeamTAF plan to initiate and establish a platform where anyone and everyone can come forward with a cause. If you or anyone has a project or need any kind of aid, please come forward, we make certain the end-goal is in-sync with our objective and we strike. We uphold our motto: Help Us, Help Pakistan very seriously. Go online, share your project, and my team and I will take care of the rest.

Question – What advice would you give to future athlete managers in the country?

Answer – Take the right counsel. Study the pioneers and follow your heart. Network and bond with your client. And the money will eventually flow.

Question – Marketing, Advertising, Information Technology and now Philanthropy; what is next for Arsalan Hyder?

Answer – For now my focus remains in expanding my company particularly in the Europe and the Middle East and make continued efforts to taking ‘The Akram Foundation’ globally. I would like to invite the youth of Pakistan to join our efforts and fight illiteracy and insolvency right out.

Ifrah Waqar – Thank you so much for your time and your valuable insights.

Arsalan Hyder – My pleasure.

“A Hair Gone Rogue…”

Family & Personal People & More

And today you are in for a real treat folks, the cascading story of my ordeal and the lovely tale of a follicle gone rogue.

I must warn you, if you have a weak stomach or are completely against females revealing personal details, look away!

You should not be here. (Best you go back to that Facebook video displaying the many traits of a rising movie star)

Hmmmm…

I guess you did not pay heed to my warning. Well then, let’s get into it. Shall we?

Once upon a time, a young, beautiful maiden, with raven flocks and dark circles decided to confess her true feelings towards the timeless adornment that is a skinny jeans. She simply could not resist its charm and wished never to part ways. Little did she know, destiny will forever steer them away, and time shall remember this as a tale of horrors and eternal plague.

You obviously have no idea what I am talking about and by now you’re considering closing this tab. Well that is totally your choice but come on; you made the effort to open this link, did you not? Give it some time. A tale of such epic proportions deserves a little patience and precision.

Well, where were we?

Yes, it all started on a humid, Saturday night in August, 2015, when I decided to reach out for my book and get cosy under the blanket. And yes the air conditioning was on but I do not support ACs at all. All of a sudden, a ripple in my tummy and my infancy-years’ potty training made me rush to my washroom (Is it a washroom, a bathroom or a toilet? This question has haunted me for years). I prefer to call it a ladies room but let’s get real, here I am, sitting and talking about excretion, can’t get fancy can I?) So, anyways, 10 minutes down the line, I came out all sweaty and disgusted, I was suffering from extreme diarrhea and not the nice brown one. Take my word for it. I came to the realization that I also had fever. Now, normally, I am a strong, big-girl, but diarrhea is a little scary to me. Owing to the fact that the last time I had diarrhea, my father was in the hospital. (We all have absurd and illogical fears, just admit it).

I approached my Mom, and told her about my condition. She gave me plain biscuits, a glass of juice (I think it was Orange) and a tablet. My fever was not helping either and Mom told me I am not supposed to sleep in my bedroom tonight. I slept with her in her room, she was being you know a typical Mom, so she could check up on me during the night.

In the morning, I felt surprisingly better, my fever had subsided and my diarrhea was much more in control (Get it? In control? Hahaha. Hmmm. I thought it was funny – moving on).

My Sunday passed, relatively normal and I just had to use the facilities a few times. Monday morning dawned and owing to my routine, I dressed up for work. Put on black jeans, apple green top, a messy-bun, minimal jewellery, my signature kohl eyes and my promise-bracele,t and I was off to a day of hard-core athlete and sports management. (Actually that day, I remember only figuring out where my Boss spent the last transaction he made =P).

Around lunchtime when I used the facilities, yet again, I felt a burning sensation around my thigh.

Well, what I found was a small red bump, around my inner, right thigh. It was soar to touch and the bump had a teeny-tiny opening at the center. Thankfully to my 5 years in medicine (And no, I am not a doctor, I am a Biotechnologist by qualification), I at once, recognized, the pain in my ass (pardon my language).

In spite of my most cherished belief, I fired up my laptop, went online and Googled, an ingrown follicle, or commonly known as ‘Munn Turr Baal’ in Urdu. Owing to my symptoms, I confirmed my earlier diagnosis and also learned that diarrhea and fever are its onset indicators. I did not notify my Mom about it, she already has a million things on her plate, and that my friend was my first mistake.

I reached out for my trusty, ‘Hum-Dard Marham’ and applied a generous amount to the bump and its surrounding area. I convinced myself that this will heal itself in a few days and like always my handy-balm will take care of it. Sadly, I was badly mistaken. The next day, I wore another of my skinny pants to work and that was my second mistake.

Over the next 3 days, the bump got redder, bigger and more painful. And my tight fitting clothes were adding to the problem. I finally told my Mom and obviously got a scolding of a lifetime. The bump now was covered with a thin film containing cream-colored pus indicating that I had angered it.

Next came the home-remedies just after I applied for my first ever leave from work in over five and a half years. Imagine explaining your boss that you cannot come to work because you have a skin condition that does not permit appropriate office attire!

My Nani (great-grandmother) made this special covering for me, with basil seeds soaked in water and lined on a thin muslin cloth, cut in a circle with a whole in the middle. It was to soak the bump’s pus and then burst. And for your information that is how an ingrown hair or folliculitis (inflammation of the hair follicles) heals, it is supposed to burst! Well the basil seeds did not help although it did for a cousin of mine. I also took worthy advice of a doctor-friend of mine and coated the bump with an antibiotic cream, Fucidin of Leo Pharmaceuticals. And it helped with the redness immediately.

Two days later when the pain was unbearable, and even the slightest of touch led me to scream, I finally gave up on my retaliation against seeing a doctor. I went to an ER of a hospital in my vicinity, upon checking the doctor prescribed a dose of the antibiotic – Augmentin (GlaxoSmithKline) which is basically a combination of amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium for 5 days and then a small surgery (incision and drainage) to remove the pus and bacteria. I weeped like a baby upon hearing the word ‘operate’.

I spent the next 5 days, lying in bed, murmuring in pain and hoping to Almighty that He forgives me of my sins. I walked around like a Penguin, (a fat-penguin to be exact according to my baby brother) and barely ate. The antibiotics added to my diarrhea problem, coating my mouth with a smelly film that would just not go away! The doctor also asked me to apply Polyfax of GlaxoSmithKline to the infected area. But honestly, it did not good for me, I continued with Fucidin application.

After 5 days, I returned to the hospital and the doctors asked me to come the next day during OPD hours and the operation will take place at 11:00 AM. I couldn’t help but cry right in the middle of the ER. As we all know, mother knows best, my Mom was just not convinced with the verdict and she forced me to another hospital in the city, a rather expensive but known to be trusted widely. There in the ER, a doctor looked at my thigh, slightly pressed it and said this did not need surgery. I smiled like a toothless baby upon seeing its feeding bottle. She was very nice and explained me that it no longer needs any kind of operation but you have been give the wrong medicine and the wrong measures to accelerate the healing.

She prescribed me a week-long of steroids, 4 pills, every 4 hours and periodic cleaning of the area with regular soap and water. No alcohol preps. No fancy, anti-bacterial cleaning agents. My relief knew no bounds. I spent the next week almost, filling my body with steroids and praying against a hormonal-imbalance. It came with extreme diarrhea but with the Grace of Almighty Allah, my bump seemed to agree with the dosage and I noticed betterment in my condition. I tried pressing the bump, as per the doctor’s advice, each time I cleaned it and every time, cream-coloured pus coupled with blood oozed out and left me light-headed. Keeping the infected area open and dry was definitely my true saviour. But sadly, mine never burst but may be that makes me all the more special. 😉 And my trips to the office wearing Hawaiian skirts was definitely an experience to remember.

Today marks one month to my ordeal, the bump has reduced, pus has cleared out but a tiny elevation remains which will probably leave a purple scar for good. I am no longer on antibiotics or steroids however my diarrhea has not ceased to exist. A month-long of Delhi-belly has left me weak and stunned. I am now completing a course of Flagyl (metronidazole) of Sanofi-Aventis Pakistan Limited and hoping for this torment to end already.

You are probably wondering, I wasted the last 15 minutes of your life by posting this mundane encounter online with no religious, social or political significance! The reason, I penned my tale is to a) create awareness against this ingrown hair phenomenon and b) to elucidate the importance of proper diagnosis in any kind of medical situation.

I lost my father to late-diagnosis from a money-making and scheming team of doctors.

I lost one of my brothers to improper diagnosis upon his accident.

So you see how personally, I feel about this issue.

If you see a bump, anywhere on your body; for the Love of God do not ignore it. Tell your parents, spouse or a friend immediately. Go see a doctor. Take a second opinion. And follow it thoroughly. Look what a scanty piece of hair did to me! I am seriously scared of wearing pants now.

If you are reading this then I forward you my gratitude for your valuable time. And I request you to say a prayer for the well-being of every living being on earth!

Manto: The Thin Line between Passion and Obsession

Movies & Entertainment 2 Comments

Before I even attempt to writing a movie review (air quotes), I feel it is my responsibility to tell you all that I am no Anu Aunty (Anupama Chopra) and I can hardly distinguish between cinematic brilliance and commercial paranoia. And the following is just my personal rant on the movie in-question.

However, I can say without a shadow of doubt that ‘Manto’ introduced me to the genius that my country is capable of. The story of a man who wrote beyond reason or rhyme has managed to do the unthinkable: made me want to read Urdu Literature.

Before we even begin to explore the many layers of this picturesque masterpiece, I want to take this moment and forward my gratitude to Sarmad Khoosat not because he chose this subject but for the sole reason that he decided to portray this infamous protagonist. His commitment to his character not only translates on-screen but also reminds us of the phenomenon that the writer was.

The opening sequence of the movie in hues of grey, with vivid red splashed all over is nothing short of sheer genius. I hope the people, and the film critics of this country understand and appreciate how beautifully this sequence has depicted everything that is bad about our society. I felt as if I was watching some Hollywood, Oscar winning direction and little did I know that there was more to come.

The first half of the movie mainly deals with the many characters that Manto penned and invited the wrath of many simultaneously. The presence of many familiar yet celebrated faces of the small screen pretty much adorn Manto’s characters in essence and soul. I was particularly moved by Sania Saeed’s performance as Safiya/Beghum Manto who did full-justice to illustrating unconditional and patient love of a wife (including lighting a cigarette for her husband). I don’t know why but I just kept feeling sorry for her character – even more so than Manto himself. Does that make me a Feminist?

I have no authority to critic on Saadat Hasan Manto’s writings but his very writings for which he had to face trials multiple times stand true today as they did back then. His writings though perceived obscene and ghastly are in my personal view perfectly raised with this movie.

No review of this movie will ever be complete without endless praise for the cinematography and editing. The intensity of Manto’s stories and darkness his characters carried are shown in the rawest form possible and that is perhaps the best feature of the entire experience. Near the end of the movie, I did feel a little drag surfacing, you are certain that a scene displaying his insanity is the end and then bang – you are back to the storyline. The end did however come with some astounding voice-over.

The end credits precede with a short history of the writer and I thought that was definitely a nice, international touch or may be I just like reading a lot even in a movie.

Another thing that is of no-cinematic significance but seized ‘my attention’ is the attention to detail and I am not talking about costumes or the backdrops. You are completely convinced that you are in the 1950s right from bleeding lipsticks to the green-white cream cake. The ‘cigarette ki dabbi’ and the clipboard were too authentic to be just film-props.

All in all, you need to get up from that comfortable couch, start your engines and go to your nearest theatre. I was sincerely and not entirely swayed by the current revolution of Pakistani Cinema but this movie has ensured me that Lollywood is here to stay!

And if Sarmad Khoosat by some miracle, lands on this review, please for the Love of God, dub the movie in English, not just subtitles but dub the entire movie and release it worldwide!!!

Thank you Mr.Khoosat for Manto. Thank you so very much.

The Art of Rain

Inklings - Poetry & Prose

The night is getting dark and dreary…
The winds are picking speed…
The Gods are angry…
The Greeks would say.
Almighty has blessed us…
My city would say!
For some
…the rain means curling up with a beloved…
For some it holds a tryst with a mistress…
And for some it means a roof top with friends.
For some it means the open road…
And for some it means tea-time!
For others it means a thousand lost dreams…
And for some it means a trickling ceiling.
I might as well tell you what it means to me.
The commotion…
The wet streets…
The beating drums of paradise…
The numberless dancing drops…
Of this relentless rain…
Mean nothing!
To me it holds no prospect!
The cadence of its pearls does not invite me.
The fragrance rising from beneath my feet does not entice me.
My city’s celebration is just noise.
The salt ‘n’ pepper sky is distasteful;
And the lovers out on the patio are revolting.
I don’t see the rain healing my wounds.
Or exchanging my woes!
I don’t feel the raindrops unwinding my soul.
Or washing away my sorrows!
And the thunder is just nature’s drama!
The notions of love and longing
Do not bind this tale…
All I see…
Are flesh and blood monsters…
Hiding behind my windowpane…
And concealed within the raindrops…
Are their tainted motives!
So, break away…
And look past the charm…
The petrichor has held you in a trance for so long!
The silver streaks…
The roaring crescendo…
This art of rain…
Is just the Almighty recycling water!

Top Ten Books for 2014

Books & Reading

I read a total of 55 books this year and some of them were absolutely remarkable so in line with tradition and without any further delay, presenting my top ten titles for 2014. These are not in any specific order, so here goes!

Oh! One more thing: These have not necessarily published this year just the ones I read this year.

My book year certainly started on a high note, and one of my first books has made it to my top list: The Case of the Deadly Butter Chicken by Tarquin Hall. A Vish Puri mystery number three packed with references from PCB, BCCI, IPL, Pakistani and Indian Cricket players etc which made it all the more interesting for me as I work in the Athlete Management Industry. And please, who would not want to read a book with Butter Chicken in the title, I mean, right? This was an accidental find and I am so glad I did. If you know me at all then you know mystery is my favorite genre to read. I would love to read the remaining Vish Puri mysteries and hopefully soon.

Paper Towns by John Green gained the status of my favorite Green Novel this year. Did I mention the movie adaption production just got complete? I know, I know, TFiOS fans are going mad at the moment, well to be honest, it was a wonderfully heart-wrenching book but for me, Paper Towns did it. And don’t worry; nobody dies in this book, well not technically. And no, I did not spoil the book for you!

Fans of Cormoran Strike will surely include The Silkworm (Cormoran Strike, #2) by Robert Galbraith (J. K. Rowling) in their top favorite books from this year and I am no different. I thoroughly enjoyed The Cuckoo’s Calling but this one tops it all. A much more hard-core murder mystery with Rowling’s impeccable writing style made this one a definite keeper.

Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn was a psychological roller-coaster and deserves all the acclaim it received. You will not be able to put this one done. And I am glad, Flynn penned the screenplay for the movie adaption, it made all the right difference. The book is surely going to take you to your ‘dark places’ (which by the way is another novel by the same author). If you are looking for a fast-paced thriller to curl up on New Year’s Eve, make it this one.

The next three books make up the Charlie Hardie Trilogy by Duane Swierczynski and can I just say, Wow!!! Fun and Games, Hell and Gone, and Point and Shoot together make up this pulp-fiction extravaganza, perfect if you are into cult-crime fiction. I was lucky enough to marathon through the three books back-to-back over a long holiday here in Pakistan and boy did Mr. Swierczynski sweep me off my feet or what! *fans herself* He now sits comfortably with my other favorite authors (Orwell, Coelho and James). You must, must get your hands on these books and you must, must like them or you and I can have some serious problems. Also each chapter starts with a quote from a movie, you must have grown up watching and it will surely set the tone for the entire chapter.

I know there are many fans of The Bastard of Istanbul and Forty Rule of Love by Elif Shafak out there and I also praise these works of literature but Shafak never connected to me until this year. I was not planning to read The Architect’s Apprentice, I picked it up because my late brother wanted to be an Architect and the book reminded of me him. I was delightfully surprised; the book totally spoke to me. If you are into the whole loyalty-business then this book is for you. It also comes with these magnificent epigraphs that took my breath away. Lots of exotic characters and a spell-binding plot will make this for a warm-read this and many future winters.

Mad Women: The Other Side of Life on Madison Avenue in the ’60s and Beyond by Jane Maas certainly knew how to get me emotional and laugh-out-loud at the same time. This book is special to me professionally as well, as it reminds me of many anecdotes of my life as a Copy Writer. If you are a fan of the popular TV show, Mad Men and if you are a Woman then this book is for you. If you are into advertising then this book is for you. In a nut shell, if you are working woman in this wicked world of men then this book is for you!

Hold on a second, folks!

Are you under the impression that my list will not be containing a book by Paulo Coelho?

Silly. That is so silly. (Pardon my FRIENDS reference. Some of you will not find this funny at all).

Adultery by Paulo Coelho continued to augment my love for his writing. It was like by some strange, magical miracle, Coelho understood what women want and how they feel about love. As a woman, you will not deny a single word in this book and you will be forced to reconsider your ways. This book has managed to enchant millions worldwide, don’t hold back, let it go, enter this realm and stay.

I hope my list gave you a few suggestions for the New Year. I am not at all into conventional book reviews and serious, literary type of articles, pardon me if my nonsense humor did not tickle your funny bone.

Wait. I take that back.

Am not actually sorry. =P

I hope my ‘silly’ review was able to make you at least read one of the 10. I’ll consider my job, done.

Follow me on Twitter and Instagram for more Book Magic.

“HER FIRST TIME”

Inklings - Poetry & Prose

Last night she surrendered her innocence…
Not what she had expected but no regrets…
Time well spent because she longed to share with him this very moment.
This time she had anticipated…
Where their love, their passion would be culminated…
And every moment with had been sooo satisfying…!
Her life he did so enrich…
And now it’s their time to savor all this…
Although she had heard it been described in many ways…
Some say it’s beautiful, addictive while some even say it’s vice…
But she discovered something truly exceptional…
Something exotic, beautiful and sensual…
Between him and her last night…!
There were qualities that she had sought after….
To her it’s imperative to have something that lasts forever….
To have someone who could make her feel safe and secure…
Allow her to trust and open up a bit more.
There has always been something about him…
His physical structure a masterpiece…
Crafted with perfection in all the right places…
His image sticks to her like bees to honey…
An erotic lover, an idealized image of beauty…
Who did brought her to heights believed to be unattainable in reality…!
Amazing how she no longer felt unfulfilled…
Engorged in the memory of that lovely moment so peaceful and tranquil.
He made her see for who she was…
Someone compassionate and selfless…
Who doubts a bit but is soft and relenting…
Tenacious a tad too but so gifted, loyal and true…
Her fears he did allow to rest…
The way he made love to her…
For sure is the best and they both knew
To them…
This was so much more than just sex…!
She will never forget this night…
It was extraordinary…
Charming, undemanding and both so understanding…
Just allowing their bodies to do all the talking…
Creating all these beautiful notes and rhythms…!
Something so sinful, so carnal made her for the first time truly feel spiritual…
Don’t know it yet but whatever it was, it left her…
Still in a trance!
It was exciting, fun, could be a game they play…
Interesting and amusing where will this lead…
Don’t know, and trust me they do care but for now…
All she knows is that last night was, simply put – surreal
Just as He is to HER…!

Autumn Kiss

Inklings - Poetry & Prose Love & Relationships

The world is in-cased in an orange fluff…
Everywhere you turn…
Leaves turning color…
And everyone around preparaing for a new chapter…
Oh! And here they come again…
The park bench awaits them…
Under the very same tree…
They turned best friends from mere strangers.
“This time, I will not let them depart just like that”, destiny was determined.
As always, she talks and talks…
And he listens to her…
She looks like Pumpkin Spice Tea in her oversize jumper…
And he cannot help but gape onto her perfectly glazed lips.
His hands move towards her peached cheeks…
Her heart races. Stomach back flips…
He knows what she wants…
She cannot look into his eyes…
And then he bends his head down to reach her blushing lips…
Warm breaths heave…
Sighs like strokes under water…
He parts her lips with his…
Calming her inexperience fragile edges…
Gentle probing…
Two open mouths giving and taking
Un-aware of eager body parts pressing …
To join in this unmapped journey…
Innocence and yearning not in control…
For daring moments of an entire minute…
Morals and inhibitions at a tug-o-war…
She does not want him to stop…
And he lies about wanting to letting go…
This will never last, she said…!
This is wrong, he said…!
He reached out to touch her and she accepted him…
Impulses ran though her causing excitement…
And a million voices in his head told him to stop…
And now they sit quietly on the bench…
Two people from two different worlds…
The world would never permit this forbidden relation…
I wish it didn’t end like this, she thought…
I wish I never kissed her, he thought…
I should have never let this happened, destiny finally realized.
And now he walks back home with a heavy heart…
And she sits in her dark room, crying…
She shivers with fear…
If only he was here to hold me…
I know you do not belong here…
Just stay for as long as you can…
Don’t go just yet…
This was not meant to end like this…!!!
Our First Kiss is not meant to be disgraced by humanly encumbrances…
If you only you knew…what this kiss meant to me…
If only I did not have to pretend…
I’m happy for you that you are with her.

“As You Stain Me…”

Inklings - Poetry & Prose

At a snail’s pace…
My life was moving forward…
My heartbeat in sync with my body…
My dreams buried in a burned diary…
And my eyes submerged in linear kohl.
Dark clouds hovered over my city…
And sunshine was a long, forgotten dream.
And then you decide to walk in my life…
You say, you are a passing stranger…
You say, you will only stay for a while…
The perfect blizzard to drift the clouds away…
And shake me back to life.
You painted me with your colors…
Your fingers caress my skin…
Like an artist indulging in taboo cravings.
The world is watching as you stain me…
Stain my body…
Stain my soul…
And smile from a distance…
You ask me to break traditions…
You force me to rebel against norms…
You continue to breathe life into me…
Until I can no longer resist…
This new sin.
I am learning to dance all over again…
Music once again starts to make sense…
I twirl away into oblivion…
My soul vibrates from within…
An unknown rhythm takes over me…
A burning desire…
Fills my veins…
And your stain is beginning to influence me.
You say I need to go back to my words…
How can I?
There was a time…
When words flowed and all I can inscribe now are tragedies.
You ask me to put them down on paper…
And allow myself to break down and cry.
You remind me I am human.
And yes, I feel human with you.
I can permit myself to feel pain with you.
My ideal visage…
Shatters in your presence.
And I feel your dye changing me from within.
You tell me to go back to my books…
And that you will wait till I finish each chapter.
You colors are now tangled with my insides…
You are now becoming a part of me…
And I feel no shame tinted with your love.
Yes. Love.
You first stain me.
And then claim me.
Cannot forget this in a fortnight…
This unspoken promise between us…
This stain has left me wanting more…
More of what I used to be.
More of what I could be.
More of what we could be.

BOOK REVIEW – Dont Lose Out, Work Out!

Books & Reading

The brains behind Kareena Kapoor’s size-zero figure; Rujuta Diwekar is back in the news with her third book, Don’t Lose Out, Work Out! And boy was it a read or what especially when I spent half of my life ‘assuming’ I don’t need to work out owing to my slim and slender body shape. *clears throat*

The book starts with the ‘Maut aur tatti kabhi bhi aa sakti hai’ punch and leads to a fitness journey filled with much of Indo-Pak lingo reeling you in even if you have no previous knowledge on the subject. The Mumbaiya-language in a book based on an international subject was surprisingly refreshing and provided a one-on-one experience to the reader. I felt I was talking to my instructor before starting a gym/yoga/swimming/running regime throughout the book.

In the book, Diwekar basically decodes the science behind fitness, health and nutrition. 15 years of knowledge and experience has come together in one publication and is aimed at making people understand the difference between going to the gym and leading a healthy lifestyle. The book is divided into 6 chapters starting with a prologue necessary to bring yourself into a position where you can not only motivate but also commit yourself to a serious work out.

Diwekar simplifies terminologies and helps a common man understand what really goes inside one’s body when you opt to wait for your car to come to the door or wait for the elevator in your chair. The book is filled with secrets and anecdotes that will leave you smiling to yourself and perhaps connecting to your personal experiences as well.

As the book proceeds, the author attempts to unravel myths and fads related to exercise including: walking is the best exercise, more time in gym = better body and Cardio on an empty stomach (my personal favorite). Each chapter is aided with tables and charts helping the reader not only understand the discipline behind it all but also use as references to devise up one’s own system. Rujuta Diwekar establishes her credence that science has the potential to combat many of today’s lifestyle disorders including diabetes and obesity in way that is believable and practical. Her writing is levelheaded and does not over-promise anything when it comes to matters of your body and mind.

The ‘what to eat pre and post workout’ tables are particularly notable and I am seriously contemplating on forwarding them to my boss who is somewhat of a fitness freak. I was however a little disappointed when I did not find any photographic content to aid work out sets explained primarily in the chapter dedicated entirely to Yoga titled shrewdly as Yoga – Rethink and Relearn.

I will suggest this book to anyone who is dealing with a demanding boss, a difficult partner, heartbreak or even a failed business venture. I give Don’t Lose Out, Work Out! 3.5 out of 5 stars, I am holding back half a star because it would have been nice to have images alongside the charts. And I am thankful to Liberty Books for sending me a title that I am certain I would have never picked out myself believing I am already healthy.

If you are interested in reading a book that does not promise you weight loss but a healthy heart, order you copy today. You can find the book at:

Liberty Books
Website: www.libertybooks.com
Twitter: @LibertyBooks_

And keep up with the pioneer in the field of nutrition, Rujuta Diwekar at:
Website: www.rujutadiwekar.com
Twitter: @RujutaDiwekar