Book Review: Life's Amazing Secrets

Life's Amazing Secrets by Gaur Gopal Das

Quote: "We don't see things as they are, we see things as we are."

Plot: As Gaur Gopal Das and his friend Harry get stuck in traffic, they start to have a conversation about many aspects of life, from finding one's purpose in life to the key to lasting happiness. Gaur Gopal Das is a sought-after monk and a well-known life coach. Through many stories, some of which are based on real life, Das tries to answer different questions about life in a light-hearted way in this thought-provoking book.

My Personal Views: I got to know about Mr Gaur Gopal Das via Instagram reels (I know many of you Gen-Z's might relate lmao) however, I am not really someone who listens to life coaches or monks really, to be honest. However, when I got the chance to buy his book 'Life's Amazing Secrets' when I went to a book fair, I couldn't help but buy it. Probably because the last few self-help books I read, I ended up liking so I didn't really give it a second thought. 

Now that I have read the book, I can say I probably should have searched a bit more about the book. I am not really saying that I didn't like the book, it was a great read, not going to lie, however, many times while reading this book, I couldn't help but feel as though it was missing something. 

It is written and presented quite well and the instances and examples that the author has used when understanding one life rule are quite easy to understand as well. However, I felt like some of the instances and examples were a bit childish and some better instances could have been used to make it better. In the book, the author talks about the 4 principles that form the foundation of happiness in life, that is, work life, personal life, relationships and social contribution and how to balance them in life.

Overall, the book was good but it could have been better and could have used some better examples to make it a bit more interesting. However, I would say it was easy to read even though I lost interest many times while reading. 

Ratings: ⭐⭐⭐/ 5

Book Series Review: The Folk of the Air

The Folk of the Air Series by Holly Black 

[Book 1: The Cruel Prince]

[Book 2: The Wicked King]

[Book 3: The Queen of Nothing]

Quote: "It's you I love. I spent much of my life guarding my heart. I guarded it so well that I could behave as though I didn't have one at all. Even now, it is a shabby, worm-eaten, and scabrous thing. But it is yours." 

Plot: The Folk of the Air series consists of three main books (in order)- The Cruel Prince, The Wicked King and The Queen of Nothing and two spin off's- The Lost Sisters & How the King of Elfhame Learned to hate stories.

This is a young adult fantasy fiction series which follows the life of Jude Duarte, a mortal girl who gets thrown into the world of magic and faeries. And about the Faerie prince Cardan Greenbriar, who is hell-bent on making Jude's life difficult. 

The Series is filled with betrayal, hate, revenge and political power with the enemy-to-lovers trope. 

My Personal Views: The Folk of the Air series is filled with characters that you are bound to fall in love with, let me tell you that. You can go onwards with the read without the fear of thinking you might hate any part in all of the three books but that can not be further from the truth. Sure, you might hate them for the choices they would make eventually however, the character development written by Holly Black is actually something. 

Throughout the series, I absolutely loved Cardan Greenbriar, I mean how can you not ?? He is so cute! He and Jude are just made for each other. 

Also, Jude's character is my favourite, her and Cardan being my absolute favourites. Her character is so fierce and I can't even count the number of times when she made me scream "QUEEN!!!" in my head at her, especially in the last book. The way she fought to get herself a place in a world that she was thrown into since childhood is commendable. She is definitely going on my 'Best Badass female main characters' list.

The overall family dynamics throughout the series were also pretty good. I had never thought that I would actually like a political-related fantasy family drama book but here we are. The series had me hooked since the first book, not going to lie.

Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/ 5

Book Review: Man's search for Meaning

Man's search for Meaning by Victor E. Frankl

Quote: "It did not really matter what we expected from life, but rather what life expected from us. We needed to stop asking about the meaning of life, and instead to think of ourselves as those who were being questioned by life - daily and hourly. Our answer must consist, not in talk and meditation, but in right action and in right conduct. Life ultimately means taking the responsibility to find the right answer to its problems and to fulfill the tasks which it constantly sets for each individual."

Plot: This book is a memoir of Victor E. Frankl's life in the Nazi death camps. Based on his own experiences, he argues in the book that we cannot avoid suffering however, we can choose how to cope with it, find meaning in it and move forward anyway. Describing more about his theory, that is, Logotherapy, he convicts that the primary human motivation is not pleasure but pursuing what we find meaningful in our lives. The book has continued to inspire thousands of readers throughout the years.       

My Personal Views: I probably should not say this, but I have had a deep interest in the events of the Holocaust since I got to know about it. I always wanted to know about the people who survived the heart-wrenching event.

After I read the book, I knew I would never look at the prospect of life the same. To be able to go through so much devastation and still look at life with a smile on your face? Only a few people are able to do that. In the book, Frankl said, that he wanted to survive for his wife, with the hope that he might be able to see his wife again one day. 

Through this book, Frankl wanted to convey that people who can find meaning in their suffering are the only people who can find the strength to move forward. As Frankl said in the book & I quote, "Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms - to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one's own way."

In the book, Frankl also talks about his theory, Logotherapy, and how it can really help people find meaning in their life. Frankl also gives examples of his patients and how he helped them overcome their challenges in life. 

I would really recommend people read this book. This one is truly my favourite and has given me a whole different perspective on life.  

To be able to still see good in the world despite all the darkness in one's life, now that takes courage.

Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/ 5

All of my Year 2022 reads!

Book 1: The Dark Between Stars by Atticus

This was the first poetry book I read, which definitely did not disappoint! After reading this book, Atticus became one of my favourite poets (not that I have anyone else tbh). But it was actually a really perfect book filled with beautiful poetry. It was a great read for sure.

Book 2: The Twisted series by Ana Huang

I read all four of the books in this series, and that is, Twisted Love, Twisted Games, Twisted Hate, and last but not the least, Twisted Lies. Of all four books, my favourite was Twisted Games and my favourite character was, of course, Rhys Larsen. Who could deny the charms of Mr Larsen? Twisted Love was not that good, to be honest, but we of course should not overlook the fact that it was the author's first ever book written, then Twisted Games (as I said) became my favourite, Twisted Hate was a huge disappointment for me and Twisted Love was okay-ish. That pretty much sums up my feelings for the twisted series!

Click on the link to read more: Twisted Love Book Review, Twisted Games Book Review, Twisted Hate Book Review

Book 3: Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover

Ugly love was my first romance book in years. I had heard a lot about CoHo books and it is kind of pretty much famous in TikTokso I had to try it out! But it was okay-ish for me. Kind of (a little bit) disappointing. Because of this, I have still not read one of Colleen Hoover's best-seller It Ends with us. I am afraid, as this was so overhyped, I will feel the same with the other book.  

Click on the link to read more: Ugly Love Book Review 

Book 4: Hedon by Priyanka

This one was a good book actually, I really really hated the ending with a passion though. I think the author should have gone with any other ending rather than the one that is in the book. I mean, seriously?? That ending was so bad. The book is actually about a girl who is trying to find herself, even though I thought it would be another romance novel, it definitely was not.

Book 5: Looking for Alaska by John Green

Oh yes, one of my favourite books I read last year. This one is so good, I would gift it to every reader if I could. Definitely, a must-read! (I know I have said it already in my blog) But I don't care if you are a teenager or an adult, you definitely should give this book a try, no matter what's your age.

Click on the link to read more: Looking for Alaska Book Review  

Book 6: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

 Another good book. Not my top-5 book but definitely worth a read. This book will surely give you some life lessons that will really help you. I had heard a lot about this book from a lot of people, and I thought I should give it a try, and I, for sure don't regret buying and reading this book. Finally, a book that is worth the hype that it got. 

Click on the link to read more: The Alchemist Book Review

Book 7 Illusion of my Life by Muskan Pawar

This one is quite personal. This book is actually written by my best friend so being a good friend I knew I had to read it (even though I had already read it before when it was yet to get published). Sorry not sorry but my name being mentioned in the book was the highlight of the book (lmao). But on a serious note, for a first-time author, this book actually had some solid scenes and dialogues that I never thought Muskan could write. This one is, of course, close to my heart and is definitely going to my Top 10.

  

Book 8: The Tempting of Thomas Carrick by Stephanie Laurens

Oh my god, this was such a bad book. I tried reading it as much as I could but I just couldn't continue reading it. I hate leaving a book in the middle with a passion but this was one of those books that I just could not continue reading. After reading this one, I got the idea that reading old-age books is not my type of thing.

Book 9: All he saw was the girl by Peter Leonard

Another disappointment of a book. Left it in the middle as I couldn't continue reading it. Though, for this one, I do blame my judgement. This book was not what I thought it would be.

Book 10: Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

A classic, however, this was so boring that I left this one in the middle as well. I, unfortunately, couldn't continue reading it. I thought that since this is a classic, and so loved by people all over the world, it would be a great read but it wasn't. After this, I think classic books are just not for me. 

Book Review: Haunting Adeline

 Haunting Adeline by H.D Carlton

Quote: "I walked out of that House of Mirrors a completely different person. And after last night, I don't think I will ever be able to go back to the Adeline Reilly before Zade."

Plot: Adeline moves into her grandmother's house, which is said to be a haunted house since Adeline's great-grandmother, Gigi was murdered there. There is still no clue who killed her. While going through Gigi's letters, Adeline finds out, her great-grandmother had a stalker! And soon enough, Adeline gets herself a stalker as well. Now, since the moment Zade Meadows saw Adeline, he wanted her and when he wants something, he gets it by hook or by crook, even if he has to become her stalker.

And, the cat-and-mouse game begins!  

My Personal Views: First of all, this book is not for kids as it contains dark and mature themes. This book also ends on a cliffhanger and if you are not a fan of that, then I suggest you avoid this one. 

Now that we are done with the warnings, let me just tell you how much in love I am with Zade Meadows. The dude is dark for sure and has a couple of screws loose but the way he talks about her?? The best male point of view according to me, I've ever read. And above all, he is actually doing the world some good without having any backstory of his own. This was actually kind of what surprised me and I am still contemplating if I liked it or not. I mean, everything that a human does, has a backstory of its own which Zade lacked. I am still not sure if giving Zade not any story was a brave idea or a stupid one.   

The story overall was a mystery which I loved about it, kind of kept me on the edge of my seat through each chapter. The story is of course well written and my first read of the author. This book is really thick and at first, I was not sure if I will be able to read all of it but as the story progressed, I was hooked. 

Haunting Adeline screams the he-fell-but-she-fell-harder trope. I really enjoyed the book and Zade Meadows in that book was just like a cherry on top.   

I will be reading the second part of this book very soon, of course after I read some other books!  ;) 

Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/ 5

Movie Review: Good Will Hunting

 Good Will Hunting

Quote: If I asked you about love, you’d probably quote me a sonnet, but you’ve never looked at a woman and been totally vulnerable. Known someone that could level you with her eyes. Feelin’ like God put an angel on Earth just for you, who could rescue you from the depths of hell. And you wouldn’t know what it’s like to be her angel, to have that love for her be there forever. Through anything. Through cancer. And you wouldn’t know about sleepin’ sittin’ up in a hospital room for two months, holding her hand, because the doctors could see in your eyes — that the terms ‘visiting hours’ don’t apply to you. You don’t know about real loss, ’cause that only occurs when you love something more than you love yourself. I doubt you’ve ever dared to love anybody that much.” — Dr. Sean Maguire

Plot: Will Hunting is a 20-year-old orphan, who has a photogenic memory and is a natural genius. While being a janitor at MIT, he comes across a problem that was a challenge from a professor to his graduate students and when he solves it anonymously, Will comes across the Maths professor who is bound to make him see what a genius he is. But when he is sent to jail, the judge allows him parole only if Will will attend the professor's Maths classes once a week and see a therapist. That's where Dr. Sean Maguire comes in and makes him see life like it never was for him. 

My Personal views: When I got into the movie, I knew it would be a great one after all, it has won the Oscars right? And the movie did not disappoint.

I've always been a fan of feel-good movies as much as I feel that in real life, it is the utmost bullshit. 

The story contained romance, comedy, and some best dialogue deliveries. I mean, it is Robin William we're talking about. What else can you expect?

The story talks about how being a teenager/ youngster is not an easy job. I was quite amazed at how this simple thing was portrayed so well by the long-time friends Affleck & Damon.

Making a movie that is so simple yet impactful, not many can do this job. Even though the plot had a quite predictable ending, it was the journey that lead up to that ending that made this film deserve the reaction it got, to be honest.

Stars: ⭐⭐⭐/ 5

Top 5 Best Anime Opening Songs

It might be too obvious to say but Anime has some kickass opening songs. After all, when people say that nothing is complete without a little bit of music they might not be totally wrong.

When it comes to anime opening theme songs, we all might have our own set of favorites (or for some people it might be too difficult to choose) but which ones are those that can be called the greatest of all time? 

Just like every other anime fan, I have my own anime playlist some of which I am sharing with you all (sadly). Check out my top 5 favorites of all the anime that I've watched until now. Not going to lie, it was a little bit difficult to choose, but eh, you gotta choose what you gotta choose. 

1) Unravel by Toru Kitajima (Tokyo Ghoul)

If you've watched Tokyo Ghoul then how can you not have this banger as one of your favorites? In my opinion, one of the reasons Kaneki Ken Vs Jason's fight was legendary is because this song was playing in the background. I have been kind of vibing to this song ever since I heard it, I am not going to lie. 

2) The World by Nightmare (Death Note)

Death Note might not have been one of my favorite anime but this song remained with me for sure. When I started watching Death Note, I remember listening to this song and thinking how cool this song was.  

3) Blue Bird by Ikimono-gakari (Naruto Shippuden) 

Okay, I am pretty proud to say, I knew this song was a banger before it started coming in my Instagram reels. The voice of the singer is pretty amazing. Naruto has had its fair share of some of the greatest openings but this one tops them all for me 

4) Haruka Mirai by Kankaku Piero (Black Clover)

I recently started watching Black Clover (of which I have yet to write a blog about but I haven't finished watching it yet) and it's an amazing anime. This is the first opening song of the anime, and it honestly kicks ass.  

5) Paint by I don't like Mondays (One Piece)

This opening song is the recent opening song that is appearing in the One Piece anime. I am up to date with the anime and the manga as well. I want to make a blog about this anime as well, but it is never-ending, right? Lmao. I actually sing along with the song whenever it comes up and now that I think about it, I probably look funny when I do that. 

Anyways, these are my top 5 best anime opening songs that I think are just bangers and the greatest of all time. 

Book Review: The Alchemist

 

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

Quote: "What's the world's greatest lie?"

"It's this: at a certain point in our lives, we lose control of what's happening to us, and our lives become controlled by fate. That's the world's greatest lie."

Plot: The Alchemist is a story about dreams, love and what does truly destiny and life mean? This is a fable of a shepherd boy named Santiago, who goes in a search of treasure after having recurring dreams about it. In his journey, he encounters life-threatening situations, friends, love, and some choices he has to make in the pursuit of the treasure. 

This is an unforgettable story about listening to our hearts and following our dreams.  

My Personal Views: For me, personally the story got better over time, and when I reached almost the end. The end is actually what caught me by surprise. The story was pretty good and the message it delivers is also something that I think, we should all follow in our daily lives. As someone who never thought would be a fan of "self-help books" I never thought I would like it. 

The best scene was the whole conversation that happened between Santiago and dessert, wind and sun. That was where I think the author's real thoughts and writing shone the brightest. It was quite interesting to read.

However, as much as I liked the book, at times I felt bored. Sometimes I felt it took too much of a spiritual turn and as someone who is not much of a spiritual person, I wasn't interested in reading that.

Also, I think, better than the book, Paulo Coelho's (The author) author's note??? Best author's note I've ever read!!! There was this whole interview of his also that was in the book which I super liked. I liked the author's personality and his way of thinking far better than the book. He sure looks like an intelligent and has-it-all-sorted kind of person. I would love to read his autobiography if he ever does decide to write that.   

Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐/ 5

Anime Review: Tokyo Ghoul

 

Tokyo Ghoul by Sui Ishida

Quote: "Sometimes good people make bad choices. It doesn't mean they are bad people. It means they're human."

Plot: In the world of Tokyo Ghoul, humans are not the superior beings who are the last in the food chain, but there are Ghouls. Ghouls are beings that survive by eating humans and are more powerful than them. They hide from the authorities who hunt them for the welfare of human society. Kaneki Ken, a simple and kind boy gets in between these two worlds when he goes on a date with a sweet girl, thinking what could really go wrong? 

In a world where both species are fighting to survive, who can decide who is wrong and right and who will win in the end? 

My Personal Views: Let's start with Tokyo Ghoul's season 1 opening music. I found the song, Unravel, quite beautiful. The lyrics and the music were really heart-touching. I am not usually someone who likes Japanese music, but after Blue Bird, Unravel is the only anime music that has stuck with me.

I had heard great things about Tokyo Ghoul and to be honest, Season 1 stuck up to the expectations but unfortunately, I can't say the same about season 2. I could literally see the downfall. Not going to lie, the plot is actually a masterpiece (even in Season 2) but what I did not like about season 2 was how it did not follow the manga which resulted in the plot having gaps and not understanding many of the scenes.  

Considering it was a dark anime, the storyline was actually pretty good. I felt in the first season that Kaneki Ken was too much of a goody two-shoe but ohmygod when he fought Jason? That whole fight was so badass and Kaneki became quite badass in the second season. I also liked how they changed his whole look in the second season with all the white hair and black nails (even though how he acquired those looks was quite painful and heartbreaking). 

Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐/ 5

John Green just has a way with words.

 In life, you find very few people who you think can understand human feelings extremely well and even fewer people who you think can convey those human feelings extremely well on paper.

Asking questions about life that might actually matter, that's what John Green has been asking through his books.

Young Adult writer John Green is one of New York's best-selling authors. He has written novels like The Fault in our stars, Turtles all the way down, Paper town, etc. He started making videos on Youtube with his brother and eventually started writing. He still has that youtube channel which has now more than 34 Million subscribers. 

The first book that I read by John Green was The Fault in our Stars which was recommended to me. At first, I thought, it would be just another typical romantic book but I actually ended up liking it. 

(If I could I would have put the whole letter by Gus here <3)

More than liking the story plot I think, the way he writes is what attracted me to his books the most. Through his books, he talks about loss, grief, death, teenagers, and their emotions. It's the way he writes his teenage characters as well like he knows exactly what a teen feels at each particular moment and how exactly they would react. 

Then comes the quotes in his books. If you would say that most quotes that are quoted by people are from John Green's books, I wouldn't be surprised, to be honest. I literally have to keep my pen with me whenever I am reading one of his books as I have a habit of marking my favorite quotes. If you would see my purchased books of his, you would find so many markings, which (to be completely honest) has happened while reading his books only, until now.

After reading Hazel Grace and Augustus Waters's story in The Fault in our stars (and watching it), I started reading Will Grayson, Will Grayson in which John Green co-wrote the novel actually lead to a big disappointment. I ended up disliking the book. After that, I took a long break not only from John Green but books altogether. 

But then after I started reading again, I ended up reading another of John Green's works, Looking for Alaska. I was not going with high expectations with this one after my encounter with the last John Green book, but ohmygod was it everything and more.

(Here, if I could I would've put the whole book <3) 

What I personally like about his books (to which many of his fans might relate) is the way he keeps it real. You know there is death and grief out there but there are friendships and love out there too, and he knows it to his heart. And I think he does an excellent job of showing the same through his words.  

  

Book Review: Looking for Alaska

Looking for Alaska by John Green.

Quote: "We are all going. McKinley said to his wife, and we sure are. There's your labyrinth of suffering. We are all going. Find your way out of that maze."

Plot: Miles Halter in search of his great perhaps goes to a boarding school in Alabama, where he meets a girl named Alaska Young. She is reckless and screwed up which draws him to her. Miles makes friends and finds himself doing things he has never done before. Miles didn't even know it but his life had changed the moment he met Alaska Young.  

My Personal Views: Now, from the plot written above, it might look like a very romantic book, which it kind of is but it is still so much more than that. This is book is about friendship, life, teenagers, and death. Everything that I love in a book, to be honest. 

Oh my god, when I read John Green's The Fault in our stars, I knew he was a fantastic writer but to write his first book this amazing? God, John Green is something else. The way he writes is just out of this world. He wrote the facts of life so beautifully in the book. 

This book was beautiful.

Even though, I could not find the chemistry between Alaska and Miles that much (which I get was not the point of the whole story). But the quotes, which I always crave in a book, were so great, so beautiful. I was in awe of the writing and the words. 

There was a lot of talk about death in the book, which is an interesting topic in itself, and the way Green described the different facets and facts of life was commendable. I read somewhere, some reviewers had written that they wished they were young when they read the book but I disagree. I am 21 and I found the book just as much interesting and life-changing as I would have if I was a teenager.   

I had read Will Grayson, Will Grayson of John Green after reading The Fault in our stars, but unfortunately, I found it too boring for my taste so I was a bit hesitant while purchasing this book. But honestly, this one was so worth it.

Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/ 5