Book review: The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini

The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

"The Kite Runner" by Khaled Hosseini is an incredible book. From the first page, I was hooked. This story made me weep, cry, and feel deeply for the characters. The writing is beautiful and paints a clear picture of Afghanistan. The characters feel real, with their own flaws and strengths. Amir's journey and the themes of friendship, betrayal, and forgiveness really moved me.

One quote that particularly resonated with me from the book is, “I wondered if that was how forgiveness budded, not with the fanfare of epiphany, but with pain gathering its things, packing up, and slipping away unannounced in the middle of the night.” This quote encapsulates the complexity of forgiveness and the gradual process of letting go of pain and resentment.

Hosseini's storytelling is powerful, drawing readers into the lives of the characters and their struggles, making each emotion and revelation feel raw and authentic. The themes explored in the book, including friendship, betrayal, and the search for redemption, are universal and relatable.

There's no need to say this, but it is a deeply moving and thought-provoking read that stays with you long after you've turned the last page. It's a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the possibility of finding peace and redemption amidst life's challenges.

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#37 Warrior Princess

She isn't a princess waiting to be rescued
She is queen who can carry her crown
And your hasty judgements
With equal grace...

Neither sugar and spice
Nor everything nice
She's got fire and fury
Little sparkle and many lilies
In equal measure...

She can't be tamed
Caged or confined
She got her wings
For she's born to fly...


A/N:
Muse for the verse - Simi Sathyan. A friend. A survivor. A fighter.

To a certain Anonymous sender of books.

I have been away from here. And been very much uninterested in carrying on the habit of pouring out things going inside my head, in words.
But recently I went back and read a few things on my blog and most importantly the comments. Some comments that I read for the first time in 2 years.

First of all, for the back story, in 2015 I used to receive some books by an anonymous sender at my home, from Amazon. It was confusing.

Since sometimes authors on Goodreads keep sending ARC books for review to bloggers, I initially thought they were a part of that giveaway. But later, when I confirmed it on Goodreads, they weren't from them.
I even contacted Amazon to know about the sender's details, but it too was a dead end.
And after 2-3 of them, books stopped coming. And, so I stopped thinking about it too.

And today after 2 years. I read these comments on two old-forgotten posts of mine.

First comment was on the post The Silent Killer and the second one on A book review.


I have never done this before but I am guilty of being utterly curious here. So, If the person who posted these comments and/or sent me those books is reading this. Please let me know.

My personal email ID is deepika.vasudeva@gmail.com
Or you can ping me on my phone. You already have my phone number (I know, since I used to receive text messages from amazon before every delivery)

It's been 2 years. I would understand if you wouldn't want me to know your identity now. But I plead you to. Closures are important. I don't want to die in suspense. Please :)


Quite-late-but-nevertheless-finally-here.
Deepika

P.S.- Those books are nice. Thank you. 

#36 Beautiful Imperfections

Perfection doesn't attract me...

Scars, Broken pottery 

Dimmer star next to the brightest one in sky

Clumsiness, broken stones
Asymmetrical shells... 

There's an untold story everywhere 

I am attracted to the untold, unknown. 

Book review: As You Desire by Connie Brockway

As You Desire by Connie Brockway
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book has stayed with me for many many years.
The descriptions of Egypt, heliographs and everything have always been ingrained in my mind since I read this book a decade ago.
Harry and Dizzy have stayed with me for a long time. I might re-read this someday again. and write another review. For now, it stays in my head.

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#35 Falling out of love

Falling out of love

It's wonderful.

Much like falling in love.

But with yourself.

#34 Fool me twice

Oh so here, it starts again

with you dancing back in my life

Why can't you give it up! Stupid stubborn stain

so it's the same cycle on the roll..

It's been 2 years and a month

Having been through heartbreak,

self hatred, destruction and redemption

I am sorry if I can't do it again..

I stand by what they say 

"Fool me once shame on you

Fool me twice shame on me"

So honey, I am drained and can't do it again..

I am done feeling and dealing

with you and your mood-swings

Now that you are past my tolerance limit

It's time for you to go baby :)


This post is a part of Write Over the Weekend, an initiative for Indian Bloggers by BlogAdda.

Happy birthday to the real Weird Wordsmith ;)

I think, in your entire life..
If you have impacted another's life - you have achieved something.
If you have saved one soul from self-destruction - you have succeeded.
If you have touched one heart - you have truly lived.

You have been all three of those people in my life. It is least to say I’ll never forget you.
Our paths may diverge...
Our conversations may stop...
One day you might as well forget my name...

But for me you'll always be the special friend.
A systematically weird, wisely stupid, insanely intelligent and perfectly imperfect friend. :)

I like you in spite of all your activate-deactivate wali harkatein, rude- polite wale mood swings, friends-strangers wale bizarre days, silent and bak-bak wale alternate attitudes … I like you with all your imperfections… because in the long run, as they say, what matters is not what you say or do (in your case - what you don't say) but how you made someone feel.

And I... feel peaceful whenever we talk. You bring the absolute calmness in a life full of panic, deadlines and pressure. A ray of sunshine.

They say, people come in your life as phases or friends... I might have been a phase that passed but you will be here in my heart as true friend... always.

Happy birthday ❤️

Book review: The Chocolate Thief by Laura Florand

The Chocolate Thief by Laura Florand
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

"The Chocolate Thief" by Laura Florand is a contemporary romance that received a four-star rating from me. While it didn't leave a lasting impression like some other books, it still had its moments of warmth and sensuality that made it an enjoyable read.

The standout feature for me was the warm sensuality portrayed in the book, particularly in the steamy scene on the staircase. Laura Florand's writing brought out the passion and intensity between the characters, creating a memorable moment that stayed with me.

The story sets the stage in Paris, a city known for its beauty and romance. The clash between American Cade Corey and French chocolatier Sylvain Marquis adds an interesting dynamic, especially as they navigate the world of chocolate and desire.

While there were no specific memorable aspects beyond the sensuality, "The Chocolate Thief" still offers a delightful escape into the world of Parisian charm, delectable chocolates, and budding romance. It may not be a standout among contemporary romances, but it has enough warmth and allure to captivate readers looking for a sweet and steamy love story.

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Book review: Just the Sexiest Man Alive by Julie James

Just the Sexiest Man Alive by Julie James
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

"Just the Sexiest Man Alive" by Julie James is a contemporary romance that received a four-star rating from me, albeit with mixed feelings compared to my experience with "Something About You." While it didn't quite capture the same level of excitement and engagement, there were still elements that I appreciated.

The intensity of the male protagonist and his jealousy despite his celebrity status added depth to the story. I liked how the female protagonist remained unaffected by his fame, showing strength and independence in her character.

However, one of the drawbacks for me was the lack of descriptive intimacy scenes throughout the book. I found myself waiting for steamy moments that never quite materialized, leading to a sense of disappointment. The delayed first real kiss until the last scene was a letdown, especially after building up anticipation throughout the story.

The snippet introduces Taylor Donovan, a confident and composed woman who refuses to be swayed by Hollywood heartthrob Jason Andrews' charms. Their dynamic as he pursues her and she remains unyielding creates an interesting tension, but I wished for more sparks and passionate moments between them.

This is a decent contemporary romance with moments of intensity and charm, but it didn't quite meet the expectations set by Julie James' other works. While it may not have been a standout for me, readers looking for a light and entertaining romance with a celebrity twist may still find it enjoyable.

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Book review: Something About You by Julie James

Something About You by Julie James
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

"Something About You" by Julie James is a contemporary romance that kept me captivated from beginning to end, earning a solid five-star rating. This book had everything I love in a romance novel – sizzling sensuality, a suspenseful undertone, and characters who felt real and relatable.

One of the most memorable moments for me was the intense encounter between the protagonists in the office room on the third floor of the hotel. The chemistry between Cameron and Jack was electric, heightened by their forbidden attraction and the steamy dialogue that left me breathless. Their interactions were filled with passion and desire, creating a palpable tension that kept me eagerly turning the pages.

The sensuality in the book was off the charts. From the hot foreplay to the moments of heated passion, every scene between Cameron and Jack sizzled with intensity. I particularly enjoyed the theme of reuniting after a gap of time, coupled with the exploration of clearing out misconceptions and discovering a deeper love. Jack's brooding nature added an extra layer of allure, while Cameron's caring and sweet personality made her a character I could root for. Their chemistry leaps off the page, making their romance feel authentic and compelling.

This book is a gem of a romance novel that combines steamy passion with genuine emotion, making it a must-read for fans of contemporary romance. Julie James has once again delivered a story that left me thoroughly satisfied and eager for more of her work.

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