Take a photo of a barcode or cover
1.29k reviews by:
mabookyard
The Heartfulness Way: Heart-Based Meditations for Spiritual Transformation
Joshua Pollock, Varun Soni, Kamlesh D. Patel
My Rating : 4
"A religious teaching may be true, but it matters little unless you have realized that truth for yourself. You see, It is not enough for a teaching to be true. It must be true for you"
.
.
--The publisher sent me a copy of the book in exchange for an honest opinion--
.
.
This book deals with the essence of Heartfulness approach to meditation and its transformative potential over a person if understood & done right
.
The first thing I loved about the book was the mini story-type prologue given at the start explaining how the concept came into life, and how it is going to progress. That really gave an insight about what to expect from the later part.
.
The second thing I loved was the way it was written. Though being a non-fiction, it was not textbook type explanations of all the questions. It is a collection of interactive conversations with Daaji and how he views everything. It also helps us understand the concepts of Heartfulness ways, how to achieve it, in a really simple and easy to understand way.
.
In this fast pacing modern world, there are a lot of things that affects our mental health and our thought process. The way everything was explained was really connecting, and I learnt a lot about how not to approach , rather than how to. Lot of insights on the lifestyle to follow, with a lot of diversity, it was really a very good experience and an eye-opener! This connected to me on a very personal level, and I really do hope it will help a lot of young people out there to start taking care of themselves instead of the materialistic things in their life.
.
The only thing I didn't like about the book was it was slightly over explained. It's not a bad thing! Some people might take a long time to understand all these new concepts, but personally I would have enjoyed the book even more if it was a little crisp and to the point since I was already familiar with the concepts of meditation. This book was in no means boring, and I loved reading a mind-clearing non fiction book that deals with a lot of real life struggles.
.
If you are someone struggling with stress, anxiety, or just having a bad day, try giving this book a shot! You might end up being a totally different person with a brand new taken on life!
"A religious teaching may be true, but it matters little unless you have realized that truth for yourself. You see, It is not enough for a teaching to be true. It must be true for you"
.
.
--The publisher sent me a copy of the book in exchange for an honest opinion--
.
.
This book deals with the essence of Heartfulness approach to meditation and its transformative potential over a person if understood & done right
.
The first thing I loved about the book was the mini story-type prologue given at the start explaining how the concept came into life, and how it is going to progress. That really gave an insight about what to expect from the later part.
.
The second thing I loved was the way it was written. Though being a non-fiction, it was not textbook type explanations of all the questions. It is a collection of interactive conversations with Daaji and how he views everything. It also helps us understand the concepts of Heartfulness ways, how to achieve it, in a really simple and easy to understand way.
.
In this fast pacing modern world, there are a lot of things that affects our mental health and our thought process. The way everything was explained was really connecting, and I learnt a lot about how not to approach , rather than how to. Lot of insights on the lifestyle to follow, with a lot of diversity, it was really a very good experience and an eye-opener! This connected to me on a very personal level, and I really do hope it will help a lot of young people out there to start taking care of themselves instead of the materialistic things in their life.
.
The only thing I didn't like about the book was it was slightly over explained. It's not a bad thing! Some people might take a long time to understand all these new concepts, but personally I would have enjoyed the book even more if it was a little crisp and to the point since I was already familiar with the concepts of meditation. This book was in no means boring, and I loved reading a mind-clearing non fiction book that deals with a lot of real life struggles.
.
If you are someone struggling with stress, anxiety, or just having a bad day, try giving this book a shot! You might end up being a totally different person with a brand new taken on life!
My Rating : 5🌟
Okay.. WHAT?? omg I am an emotional mess right now!! 😭😭😭 This book was amazing. The writing was wonderful, the plot was amazing and the characters! 💕💕 I want my Nikolai ! 😍 Okay.. I will write my review after I finish the next book! 😱
Okay.. WHAT?? omg I am an emotional mess right now!! 😭😭😭 This book was amazing. The writing was wonderful, the plot was amazing and the characters! 💕💕 I want my Nikolai ! 😍 Okay.. I will write my review after I finish the next book! 😱
My Rating : 4🌟
I ended up LOVING the characters so much!!!Omg I can't believe I read this book in a single sitting!!
Thankyou J.M.Wong for the review copy! 😍
.
This book revolves around our main character Alivia, who tries really hard to help her family as well as escape the clutches of the 'Blessers'. The first thing I really loved about this book was the format in which the story is told. So it starts at a later date, and as the plot progresses, you get a flashback of the events that happened leading to the end, which is where the book actually started. Plus the fact it happens around halloween is just a bonus. Now coming to the characters. When you start reading this book, you get really interested in the style of presenting the story, you automatically start expecting the characters to exhibit certain characteristics. And they definitely do not disappoint. During the first half of the book , it's not clear how the magic system works, or who the characters are because there are no explicit descriptions to them and character traits to define them as characters. But it kind of helps the story in a way as you go into the second half of the story.
.
Now coming to the actual plot-line, the starting of the story might feel a little cliched, and I almost thought the ending would be predictable. BUT it definitely held it's promise and delivered a great deal. You can see the progress in the writing style within the book itself. One thing that irked me was the editing. I know this is a self-published book, but if the editing was better, this could have been even more interesting. One more point to note is the age of the characters. They exhibit the character traits of Young adults, but they are only 13/14 years old which was a bit confusing at times. The magic usage and the categories of people in this magic system could have been explained a little better. It made sense, but I didn't understand it clearly for a long time. The backstory for Alivia could have been explained better. You don't get to understand why she is doing what she is doing until the end and that was slightly frustrating.
.
I absolutely loved the relationship between Alivia and Joshua. You get the hint right from the start, but it's nice to see the relationship progress. The characters were all flawed and really relatable ( Not on the soul reaping level, but that would be cool too! ) and it gets really dark in the middle and I did not expect that! And can I just say I absolutely loathe the 'supposed to be mother' character? There were a lot of great friendships, lovely characters, and that ending was absolutely amazing!! I was so confident it would end one way, and I was shocked at how it ended!.. Not to spoil, but I wish I had a brother like that!. THE ENDING!! Omg unexpected bonds were made, so many heartwarming moments and it was just amazing!..
.
Overall, the plot was really interesting, the characters were adorable and I loved them to bits ( Even the bad ones ), the writing & editing could have been better, and the highlighted texts explaining what is happening next to few conversations were a little distracting. But, if you are a fan of Grim Reaper like stories, or just a bunch of 14 year olds kicking ass and leading a double life, some really dark character traits that gets better, definitely give this book a try. I definitely enjoyed my time reading this book!
I ended up LOVING the characters so much!!!Omg I can't believe I read this book in a single sitting!!
Thankyou J.M.Wong for the review copy! 😍
.
This book revolves around our main character Alivia, who tries really hard to help her family as well as escape the clutches of the 'Blessers'. The first thing I really loved about this book was the format in which the story is told. So it starts at a later date, and as the plot progresses, you get a flashback of the events that happened leading to the end, which is where the book actually started. Plus the fact it happens around halloween is just a bonus. Now coming to the characters. When you start reading this book, you get really interested in the style of presenting the story, you automatically start expecting the characters to exhibit certain characteristics. And they definitely do not disappoint. During the first half of the book , it's not clear how the magic system works, or who the characters are because there are no explicit descriptions to them and character traits to define them as characters. But it kind of helps the story in a way as you go into the second half of the story.
.
Now coming to the actual plot-line, the starting of the story might feel a little cliched, and I almost thought the ending would be predictable. BUT it definitely held it's promise and delivered a great deal. You can see the progress in the writing style within the book itself. One thing that irked me was the editing. I know this is a self-published book, but if the editing was better, this could have been even more interesting. One more point to note is the age of the characters. They exhibit the character traits of Young adults, but they are only 13/14 years old which was a bit confusing at times. The magic usage and the categories of people in this magic system could have been explained a little better. It made sense, but I didn't understand it clearly for a long time. The backstory for Alivia could have been explained better. You don't get to understand why she is doing what she is doing until the end and that was slightly frustrating.
.
I absolutely loved the relationship between Alivia and Joshua. You get the hint right from the start, but it's nice to see the relationship progress. The characters were all flawed and really relatable ( Not on the soul reaping level, but that would be cool too! ) and it gets really dark in the middle and I did not expect that! And can I just say I absolutely loathe the 'supposed to be mother' character? There were a lot of great friendships, lovely characters, and that ending was absolutely amazing!! I was so confident it would end one way, and I was shocked at how it ended!.. Not to spoil, but I wish I had a brother like that!. THE ENDING!! Omg unexpected bonds were made, so many heartwarming moments and it was just amazing!..
.
Overall, the plot was really interesting, the characters were adorable and I loved them to bits ( Even the bad ones ), the writing & editing could have been better, and the highlighted texts explaining what is happening next to few conversations were a little distracting. But, if you are a fan of Grim Reaper like stories, or just a bunch of 14 year olds kicking ass and leading a double life, some really dark character traits that gets better, definitely give this book a try. I definitely enjoyed my time reading this book!
My Rating : 5 🌟
Okay.. WHAT? HOW? WHYY? NOO!!! My exact reactions after that last chapter and epilogue! This story follows two perspectives, Yumeko, who gets pushed into the outside world because of a promise made and Kage Tatsumi, a demon killer on a clan mission ! I was so excited to pick this book up after reading that blurb and not on boy did I enjoy the book!
.
First of all, the characterization of Yumeko was absolutely wonderful. She is funny, caring, mischievous yet very strong willed and smart. And we have an exact opposite Kage Tatsumi who is very reserved, powerful, strong willed, tough, yet has trust issues, and a good heart. The combination of these two characters paves way to a very interesting plot-line.
.
The second was the Japanese mythology itself. I have never read a book about the mythology before and it was really interesting to get to know their way of things and how each person operates. The different clans described in the book, and their character traits, every individual who ends up helping our main characters and their unique characters, and when they all come together, it really gets very very interesting and keeps the pace strong.
.
You cannot call this a plot driven story because so much time is spent with the characters, and it is not a character driven story as well because it has a good plot going on. I think it balanced both quite well and I was surprised by that. The writing was really good, but a little cheesy & unnecessary at times.
.
(SPOILER)
Especially when Yumeko goes around talking about the Monk's bare chest. Gurl we know you find Tatsumi very handsome, but please don't talk about bare chests of the father figures who raised you. It was uncomfortable for me to read. RANT OVER (END OF SPOILER )
.
And the story got really interesting towards the end. You get frustrated in the middle and might slightly curse to get to the point, but it does. The fight between the characters, the bone chilling evil person, the characters as a group were all enjoyable. And even though I had issues with the book do you know why it gets a 5 star? THE ENDING! Omg I literally lost it when I read the last 25 pages! It was going really well till then and then the last 2 chapters happened, and my poor heart is not recovered yet. It is not an unexpected twist, but one that will make you cry if you were invested enough in the characters, which I was.
.
Overall I loved the concept of the book, the characters were lovable/loathable, the plot line was quite good, the writing was simple and neat, interesting take on Japanese mythology, and an amazing cliffhanger! If you are a fan of any one of the above, give this book a shot! You might end up loving it too and we can discuss the ending together!
Okay.. WHAT? HOW? WHYY? NOO!!! My exact reactions after that last chapter and epilogue! This story follows two perspectives, Yumeko, who gets pushed into the outside world because of a promise made and Kage Tatsumi, a demon killer on a clan mission ! I was so excited to pick this book up after reading that blurb and not on boy did I enjoy the book!
.
First of all, the characterization of Yumeko was absolutely wonderful. She is funny, caring, mischievous yet very strong willed and smart. And we have an exact opposite Kage Tatsumi who is very reserved, powerful, strong willed, tough, yet has trust issues, and a good heart. The combination of these two characters paves way to a very interesting plot-line.
.
The second was the Japanese mythology itself. I have never read a book about the mythology before and it was really interesting to get to know their way of things and how each person operates. The different clans described in the book, and their character traits, every individual who ends up helping our main characters and their unique characters, and when they all come together, it really gets very very interesting and keeps the pace strong.
.
You cannot call this a plot driven story because so much time is spent with the characters, and it is not a character driven story as well because it has a good plot going on. I think it balanced both quite well and I was surprised by that. The writing was really good, but a little cheesy & unnecessary at times.
.
(SPOILER)
Especially when Yumeko goes around talking about the Monk's bare chest. Gurl we know you find Tatsumi very handsome, but please don't talk about bare chests of the father figures who raised you. It was uncomfortable for me to read. RANT OVER (END OF SPOILER )
.
And the story got really interesting towards the end. You get frustrated in the middle and might slightly curse to get to the point, but it does. The fight between the characters, the bone chilling evil person, the characters as a group were all enjoyable. And even though I had issues with the book do you know why it gets a 5 star? THE ENDING! Omg I literally lost it when I read the last 25 pages! It was going really well till then and then the last 2 chapters happened, and my poor heart is not recovered yet. It is not an unexpected twist, but one that will make you cry if you were invested enough in the characters, which I was.
.
Overall I loved the concept of the book, the characters were lovable/loathable, the plot line was quite good, the writing was simple and neat, interesting take on Japanese mythology, and an amazing cliffhanger! If you are a fan of any one of the above, give this book a shot! You might end up loving it too and we can discuss the ending together!
Can I just give this a billion 🌟 ?? Okay let us start from the beginning. This book revolves around mainly two characters Frances and Aled, who are basically soulmates, and how they go about their lives with a podcast. This was not the typical story blurb you find in any YA book, and it really intrigued me and so I finally decided to pick this book up.
.
Okay, First let's just talk about the relationship between Frances and her Mom? I mean, usually any YA book that deals with parent-child relationship falls under the cliched category of 'I don't have a good relation with my parent/ my parents are dead/ I hate my parents/ My parents act like I do not exist'. But omg the way this relationship was portrayed! YASSS give me more like this!. And now coming to the part where you basically find your soulmate and not fall in love romantically and just have shit ton of drama. It was so refreshing to read about friendship that has such deep connection, and the fact that these two characters Frances and Aled finds each other comfortable enough to let their guards down and just be themselves.. Teens, please take this as example and just be yourselves.
.
Now coming to a little spoilery part. **** SPOILERS AHEAD **** Okay as much as I loved Aled, I felt like ripping his eyes out when he just presumes that Frances( The friend who trusted him, and just helped him through a difficult time ) betrayed him and just yells in front of everybody that she is just after him because of the podcast? Man I would have smacked that head and just told him to think straight. And my baby Frances was so strong and keeps trying to help him in any way possible. Have you ever had a Mom steal stuff from other people so that a bunch of teens can go and rescue another teen who is in a mental agony? YES. That is why I love her so much! The relationship between Daniel and Frances was really cute and I love how the trio behaved when together. It deals with a sensitive topic of one's identity, depression, abuse and it was done in such a way that you start feeling bad for the character as soon as something happens. I was sitting and shouting ' Please let my babies be happy! '. The ending when she finds herself in Aled's room, and he was not there, and with all the hate notes, I legit started crying.. And the moment he appears with his toothbrush, I was like thanking the Gods for that. The way the story was written, and how it affected the emotions that delivered through the words were really amazing, and I absolutely loved it. Plus the fact that they were such diverse characters wrt their characteristics and their sexuality was just the cherry on top!
.
And Can we just talk about how much we all hate Aled's mother? I wanted to just go inside the book and just murder her! I have never hated any character with this kind of passion before, and it scared me a little!. The basic contrast between Aled's and Frances's life and in spite of that how they stay each other's pillar of strength is just so heartwarming to read about. I kind of hated Clarys at the beginning, but once you come to know about what she went through, you see her in a different light. Frances was hands down my favourite character in this book. And the fact that both sides of being an online celebrity was discussed, and how it affects a person and their daily life was too real.
.
Overall, I love this book to bits, it's one of my all time favourite books of all time, and I will recommend this book to anyone and everyone. There are no specific audience. I recommend it to all of you. Read this book and you will know why I am gushing over this book so much. Even if you don't, I still made you read the book :p
.
Okay, First let's just talk about the relationship between Frances and her Mom? I mean, usually any YA book that deals with parent-child relationship falls under the cliched category of 'I don't have a good relation with my parent/ my parents are dead/ I hate my parents/ My parents act like I do not exist'. But omg the way this relationship was portrayed! YASSS give me more like this!. And now coming to the part where you basically find your soulmate and not fall in love romantically and just have shit ton of drama. It was so refreshing to read about friendship that has such deep connection, and the fact that these two characters Frances and Aled finds each other comfortable enough to let their guards down and just be themselves.. Teens, please take this as example and just be yourselves.
.
Now coming to a little spoilery part. **** SPOILERS AHEAD **** Okay as much as I loved Aled, I felt like ripping his eyes out when he just presumes that Frances( The friend who trusted him, and just helped him through a difficult time ) betrayed him and just yells in front of everybody that she is just after him because of the podcast? Man I would have smacked that head and just told him to think straight. And my baby Frances was so strong and keeps trying to help him in any way possible. Have you ever had a Mom steal stuff from other people so that a bunch of teens can go and rescue another teen who is in a mental agony? YES. That is why I love her so much! The relationship between Daniel and Frances was really cute and I love how the trio behaved when together. It deals with a sensitive topic of one's identity, depression, abuse and it was done in such a way that you start feeling bad for the character as soon as something happens. I was sitting and shouting ' Please let my babies be happy! '. The ending when she finds herself in Aled's room, and he was not there, and with all the hate notes, I legit started crying.. And the moment he appears with his toothbrush, I was like thanking the Gods for that. The way the story was written, and how it affected the emotions that delivered through the words were really amazing, and I absolutely loved it. Plus the fact that they were such diverse characters wrt their characteristics and their sexuality was just the cherry on top!
.
And Can we just talk about how much we all hate Aled's mother? I wanted to just go inside the book and just murder her! I have never hated any character with this kind of passion before, and it scared me a little!. The basic contrast between Aled's and Frances's life and in spite of that how they stay each other's pillar of strength is just so heartwarming to read about. I kind of hated Clarys at the beginning, but once you come to know about what she went through, you see her in a different light. Frances was hands down my favourite character in this book. And the fact that both sides of being an online celebrity was discussed, and how it affects a person and their daily life was too real.
.
Overall, I love this book to bits, it's one of my all time favourite books of all time, and I will recommend this book to anyone and everyone. There are no specific audience. I recommend it to all of you. Read this book and you will know why I am gushing over this book so much. Even if you don't, I still made you read the book :p
.png)
.jpg)
Well that ending was really unexpected.. and amazing 😂😂 I can't wait for the next book now!!