The House that BJ built

Book Title: The House That BJ built

Author: Anuja Chauhan

Genres: Fiction

Rating: 4

I'll make my sisters squirm like well-salted earthworms. I won't sell. Even my jutti wont sell. And if I die na, then even my gosht won't sell! The late Binodini Thakur had been very clear that she would never agree to sell her hissa in her Bauji's big old house on Hailey Road. And her daughter Bonu, is determined to honor her mothers wishes.

But what to do about her four pushy aunts who are insisting she sell? One is bald and stingy, one is jobless and manless, one needs the money to 'save the nation' and one is stepmother to Bonus childhood crush-brilliant young Bollywood director Samar Vir Singh, who promised BJ upon his deathbed that he would get the house sold, divvy the money equally and end all the bickering within the family.

The first word baby Bonu ever spoke was 'Balls' and indeed, she is ballsy, bullshit-intolerant, brave and beautiful. But is she strong enough to weather emotional blackmail by the spadefull? Not to mention shady builders, wily politicians, spies, lies and the knee-buckling hotness of Samars intense eyes? Sharply observed and pulse-quickeningly romantic, this is Anuja Chauhan writing at her sparkling best!

My last review 'Before I Go To sleep' byS.J.Watson was a group read in Goodreads. But I was little disappointed by the fact there wasn't enough discussion happening in the group. If not anything, it motivated me to read a book that I otherwise might not have picked up. Sometime later, when I saw book discussions on Indian Moms Connect(IMC)(a website I design craft kits for), I jumped at the opportunity of starting a book club afresh, that too with a subset of readers I can really connect with, Indian moms! Unfortunately by the time you read this review, the Book Club came to an abrupt end due to Technical issues. Nevertheless, we read the book 'The House that BJ built' by Anuja Chauhan. Once again, I managed to achieve the goal of picking an Author that I had been putting off for no reason. Better luck to me with BookClubs next time, sigh!

Since it was me who started this BookClub on IMC, I had the task of keeping the group alive and kicking. This led me to finding interesting trivia about the Author and the Book. One such was the term Jump sequel, which simply meant a sequel set in a different point of time. And then there was the Dubsmash with dialogues from the Book which was really funny :)

This book is a jump sequel to Those Pricey Thakur Girls which I haven't read. Few others in the BookClub who had already read this never mentioned much relevance or context. I hope I can safely say, it doesn't matter much whether you have already read the prequel or not.

Review

There are few books that my mind interprets as Bollywood scripts(whether its good or bad, I leave to you to judge ;)). This book is certainly one of them - be it the cinematic opening or hopelessly in love lead characters or the drama with the Tring brothers, you can go on. This book is a tickler, you keep a smile the entire time you are reading it.

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Before I Go to Sleep

Book Title: Before I Go to Sleep

Author: S.J.Watson

Genres: Fiction

Rating: 4

As I sleep, my mind will erase everything I did today. I will wake up tomorrow as I did this morning. Thinking I'm still a child, thinking I have a whole lifetime of choice ahead of me...
Memories define us. So what if you lost yours every time you went to sleep? Your name, your identity, your past, even the people you love--all forgotten overnight. And the one person you trust may only be telling you half the story.
Welcome to Christine's life.

Reading a book is one thing, reviewing it is another. But to experience the joy of reading with fellow book lovers takes it to a different level altogether. So, I had been looking around for book clubs that would motivate me to try different Authors and Genres, where I can actively read a book. I found a book club on Goodreads that fit my bill and the book that was voted for was 'Before I Go to Sleep' by S.J.Watson, Though I felt the discussions weren't engaging enough, I am happy I read a book that I otherwise wouldn't have bothered to pick up.  By the time I was midway, there were people who were done with the book and felt the book was unputdownable yet not upto their liking. This raised my curiosity but kept me from having high expectations at the same time.

Review: Dinosaurs Galore

Book Title: Dinosaurs Galore
Author: Giles Andreae & David Wojtowycz
Genres: Kids
Rating: 5
Age group: 2-4 years

Join this swampland adventure and meet silly Diplodocus, larger-than-life Giganotosaurus, and the infamous Tyrannosaurus Rex ... but watch out, he's feeling a little peckish!

Review

I picked up this book randomly from the library. My daughter, 2.5 years old at the time of reading this, is all crazy for the so-called-girlish stuff though it isn't intentional, at least on my part. So I keep buying random stuff that are labeled for boys. This book is one such attempt.What I really like about the book is that the illustrations and text are not intimidating for young ones.  Here is a sample.

DIY Watch case for Father's day

Father's day is almost here. So are the summer holidays. What better way to make the best use of both than making a DIY gift for Dad! (Even if its not vacation time in your part of the world, which kid says No to craft?). Also, this craft requires little help from Moms, so its a great way to unwind from the routine and bond with your kid.

P/S:  If you think sewing it is intimidating, take it from me, its easy peasy :). You can also use a felt glue if you think sewing is too much work.

Saved In Srilanka

Book Title: Saved In Srilanka
Author: Devika Fernando
Genres: Fiction
Rating: 4

It sure feels that way when Sri Lankan tour guide Sepalika meets Daniel. The mysterious tourist from Ireland steals his way into her heart and makes her question everything her life is built upon. Instant attraction turns to love – but does he feel the same? And what about the secret she’s hiding from him?

Follow the two on their quest for a happy ending amid the beauty and wonders of the tropical island paradise of Sri Lanka.

Review

What do you get when Facts meet Romance? You get Saved in Srilanka! I mean, Sepalika gets saved :) And you get to bask in the romance between Sepalika and Daniel. Sepalika, the tourist guide struggling to contain her free spirits within the confinement demanded by the situation. Daniel, the historic buff on tour to Srilanka. When the two of them come together, they are unable to resist falling in love. Sepalika is 'tied' while Daniel is hurt from a past relationship. Who makes or breaks the relationship is what ensues.