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“The Seeds of War” by Ashok K. Banker

Swathy · February 8, 2013 · 1 Comment

Mahabharata Series Book Two The Seeds of War by Ashok K Banker
love the illustration


Note: I was traveling for the past two weeks and came back only on Monday so I started reading the book only on that day. I am supposed to put up the review within a week after receiving the book but I am not sure when I received it. Thus, I am publishing it today and hoping that it would considered valid. Also, I have not yet been able to finish the book because it is very involved. Thus, my review is based on the part I have read. 


Ashok K. Banker is a famed author of the Ramayana series. All of his previous novels have been quite a hit, apparently! Ok, I have to admit that I did not hear about the author before I got this novel for review. 
But now, I can say that I would definitely want to check out all his previous books.  His previous work includes modern interpretation of Ramayana among others and now he has started on Mahabharata.
I have to say this that among the two great epics, Mahabharata appeals more to me because of the cacophony of emotions. There is love, jealousy, anger, hatred, passion, pride, virtue, misery, loyalty and what not? Each character in the epic is worth a study. And, every book I have read on the subject opens a new perspective. 
The Seeds of War is the second book in the Mahabharata series being written by the author. Since I have not yet read the first one, I can’t comment on the flow of the story but I think you can read the books independently. 

Mahabharata Series Book Two The Seeds of War by Ashok K Banker
click on the pic to read

The author clearly states in the introduction section that he has stuck to the original story and simply narrated it in his own style. This particular book narrates the story of people living way before Bharata who started the line of Pandavas and Kauravas. 
The book is divided into 9 pakshas or parts. I have read only 3 parts yet and am going to start the fourth. This book is about Bhishma and his vow of celibacy and to be a protector of the throne. And, how it leads to Mahabharata.
The goal of the book is to show how did the earlier events culminate into the ultimate war. It depicts The Butterfly Effect – a single event can cause a reaction in the chain of consequent events. When some great event is going to happen, things start falling in place much before the immediate people who affect or get affected by the event are even born.
As I said I have not yet read the entire book, I can only say that I have liked the book so far. The author has an easy way of writing and he mentions the philosophy involved in the dialogs very clearly. But, yes, you would need time to read the book. It is not one of the light and easy reads. 

This review is a part of the biggest <a href="http://blog.blogadda.com/2011/05/04/indian-bloggers-book-reviews" target="_blank"> Book Reviews Program.</a> for <a href="http://www.blogadda.com" target="_blank">Indian Bloggers.</a> Participate now to get free books!

Sexy @ Sixty {Book Review}

Swathy · August 19, 2012 · 6 Comments


Overview of the Book

Sexy at Sixty. Is that possible? Namita Jain, the prestigious wellness expert, shows you how in Sexy @ Sixty, which is a celebration of this wondrous phase in your life. She aims to make it even more wonderful by giving you enough ammunition, in the form of many helpful tips on lifestyle, food, exercise and staying positive, to slay the bugbears that threaten to rain on your parade. Aimed at the modern not so young man or woman, the book is full of practical, easy to understand information:

  • Tables showing you the exact calorie count of your meals.
  • Illustrations for safe ways to exercise, whether by gentle stretches or strength training.
  • Chapters on how to tackle everything from skin care and weight gain to stress, arthritis and diabetes.
  • Easy to follow explanations for menopause or prostate issues.


My Review of the Book
To start off, I would like to say this is a book which will urgently make you go and exercise!! Yes, it really gives that feeling of urgency, written in a fun and very compelling way. I have never read any health books prior to this one and I beg ignorance about the author, Namita Jain, but apparently she is very famous and has authored quite a few books before this.

The book as the title suggests is aimed at middle-aged people. BUT, why am I suggesting this book is because an early start would only do you good. Namita talks about exercise and diet throughout the book and she outlines how the combination of two can protect your body from the numerous health risks which attack people above 30-35.

chapters covered

She covers all topics from menopause and prostrate to diabetes, blood pressure, cholesterol, heart issues, osteoperosis, arthritis, stress and also about Postures. I would have definitely loved if she had taken some of the topics in more detail but I think she meant the book to only be an introduction. The starting chapter of the book deals with the question that whether you are a couch potato or not?

which activity burns how many calories!

Can you climb up three flight of steps without gasping for breath? Do you sleep well? Do you wake up most mornings looking forward to the day? Do you go for a walk, visit the gym, play a sport or engage in some other energetic activity at least thrice a week? Do you eat wholesome, nutritious food? Do you relax and take time out without feeling stressed?

If you answered a ‘yes’ to most questions, it means you lead a fit life. And, if no, you need this book. Oh, I also forgot to mention that she provides some substitute recipes for high-calorie foods. Yes, the book did make me count the calories whenever I ate anything 🙁 But, the author is very practical and realizes that today’s lifestyle is different and mentions various things in a way which will sit well with our routine. For example,

If you are going for a party, take a light healthy snack before leaving. If you are dining out, order a clear soup and some salads to fill you up and prevent binging. If going for shopping, never go on empty-stomach. That makes you pick up cookies and indulgences which you would otherwise avoid.

calorie count of foods

And, that’s really true!! Happens with me. She gives a lot of exercise tips and also illustrates various yogasanas which are easy for people of 35-50 to do. She also mentions what shouldn’t be done. And, finally finishes off with chapters dealing with a well-balanced diet and colors on the plate and talks about surgeries like liposuction and tummy tucks and whether they are worth pursuing or not. The best part of the book is that it talks about weight loss being essential for health and not just looks. Many examples have also been given throughout the course of the book which makes it more relate-able.     

Availability
You can buy the book here on Flipkart.com
Price – Rs 164 (18% Off)

This review is a part of the Book Reviews Program at BlogAdda.com. Participate now to get free books!


PS: Post contains affiliate links.
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