fathima_ashab's Reviews (159)

I am not good at asking for help. Even if I happen to do it, I always fill it with Thank you-s and Sorry-s until the person who helped me regrets helping me at all XD This is not just the case with physical support but even when I am emotionally in need. This is why books have always been a help whether I need to learn something or when I need a comfort. I had no idea what I was getting into when I picked this up other than the fact that it will be useful. But it was more than what I got myself into. The practical exercises and examples from Shayamal's own life experiences made it more interesting and helped me rekindle that fire of self-discovery. This book is what the title says - Breathe. Breathe as in really become one with your body, embrace it and feel it. Believe. This is an act of manifestation. Your foundation is based on what you believe. And then balance. This cannot be contained in this caption but his definitions were really thoughtful and paved a different perspective for the notion of balance. Read this if you are in to practical self help books. You will not regret it. I absolutely loved reading it.

I finished 'Things fall apart' day before yesterday and I have been thinking a lot since then. The plot of this book was simple but the more I think about it, the more it gets complex and I am already sensing an existential crisis thanks to Chinua Achebe. If anything reading has taught me all these years, there's one thing that will stick with me forever and this book is a perfect example for that -- 'the world is not exactly black and white, there's always a place for gray to paint. No one is perfect here and when there is a dispute, somehow both sides will bear the responsibility because in a way, we are all different yet same at the core.' Yes, we get to know the impact of British colonisation more clearly in novels like this but also when the culture orders you to kill your twin babies and outcast women or anyone who the men think are not capable to live among them, why not abandon the culture and do what you think is good for you. But in cases like this, neither of them was evil. It might have been an insult to men who had titles and privileges but what about people who had lost their children and family to the custom of ancestors they haven't even seen. They will of course choose Christianity over this outdated culture. But at the same time, British has no rights to invade a country and occupy the space like the way they did and inflicted racism. It's both depressing and overwhelming to think of this world as a complex structure. What are we fighting for at the end? Is there an end?

This book is really a collection of echoes in our mind that we often want to say out loud when we can't keep them inside anymore but often bury them in order to move on with life only to fail at it time and time again.

This book is a collection of poems but what made it special was the open letters. She has a letter for everyone and everything. It just made it so beautiful and anyone who is sucker for old school letters will totally love them. The poems mainly touched upon the topics of what it is like to be a woman, a mother, a sister and someone with a broken heart. She also provides comfort, love and lessons through her poems.

The only thing is that I couldn't connect with everything per se. Especially when she talks about family and bond, between her and her sister, with her husband and her child. Those poems are not for me. But the feel it gave and the moments were too cute to ignore. She is so confident as a writer and I believe she has so much potential.

Pick it up if you love letters, have a great family bond and love. It will also soothe your broken heart. It is a solid four star from me.

The premise of the book was so compelling but the writing didn't make it a masterpiece as I thought it would but it's still an important book to read and to know how it feels to leave the world behind when there is a disaster happening out in the world you have no idea about and you are privileged and safe in your bubble. But one day, it will get you too.

The thrilling parts were so subtle but it would be great for readers who would prefer that without much action. The third person omniscient narrative was so fit for the story and you will understand it only if you read between the lines and aware of metaphors. I quite enjoyed the pace and the theme but it didn't so much as impact me and only made me uncomfortable in few scenes. I also thought the characters could have been developed a little more to leave that imprint upon the readers. But pick it up for a good leisure read.

An exceptional love story with a moving plot and an unexpected shock at the end. The days that Dhruv spent his time with Aisha in Paris is the lovely part of the book. I’m sure that everyone would fall in love with that bold and charming woman. The unexpected incident that happened to her is unacceptable. It would make everyone’s blood boil and ire. But unfortunately ‘Justice can’t always be achieved by Law’.
The justice made in the book is perfect and can be accepted by anyone who knows the dirty side of the Indian political system.
The another part of the story which emphasizes on the purpose of life and the drive to achieve it, is a lesson one can learn from this book.
The small notes in the beginning of every chapter is the ornamental thing of this book. It made the book even more beautiful with its catchy lines. I would like to jot down the one I liked the most here –

“How does one get to know a person?” “You know someone when you know what he wants
When you know what he fears
His hopes, dreams, beliefs
How he wants to live and how he wants to die.”

This book contains the mixed emotions of love, fear, hope, courage and the desire to live, perfectly carved in it with a fluid language and chosen words.
I hope we find peace and happiness in the country we live and love the most.

Life changing

'Not all who wanders are lost'. We may feel completely hopeless and lost sometimes. But we'll get away them eventually with time. This amazing story of 4 people who either has one parent or both but cut ties with them is super inspirational. Also the way author has portrayed their emotions is awesome.

Short stories at it's best

It was a quick read😍
I loved Catherine. That kinda love♥️♥️ Awww!! Even though I expected something else, I loved the ending.

And Highway man has a serious life lesson. I loved it too.

There would have been more. I wanted to read more of them especially about Will.

But I just loved it.

The plot, character development, writing, everything is just so perfect.