Book Review - Parliamental

Book Title : Parliamental

Author : Meghnad S.

Book Review

It was my first attempt at reading a political satire and to be honest, it turned out to be quite a satisfying experience. I couldn't have asked for a better book. What appealed to me most about the book was the candid (yet careful) approach of the author in successfully establishing the storyline against the backdrop of the most prestigious institution of the Indian political system i.e. the Parliament. At no point, in the book, was there a hint of any inappropriateness or insensitivity while relating to the institution.

Though written as a piece of fiction, the book still manages to enlighten the readers to many realities that occur in the "corridors of power"- the various permutations and combinations that come into play to ensure staying relevant in the game of politics.

The characters are very well conceived, with the protagonist leading the pack to provide a deep insight into how things pan out in the political scenario, the various surprises and shocks that the first timers to the Parliament are in for. It's quite a page-turner and layers after layers get peeled off as the readers moves ahead in the book. The struggle to be prominent, the attempt to work out equations to remain relevant and powerful (in the political context), all come out so well in the book. 

Thanks to the author's experience in seeing thing from close quarters, the book is as real as it could get. Hilarious and Humorous at times, the book manages to engage reader's attention till the end. Laced with few twists and turns, the book becomes a thriller towards the end and does throw a surprise or two for the readers.

In all, the book is refreshing, engaging, interesting and worth a read. Don't miss it !  

Note: The above review is part of the Blogchatter Book Review program,  https://www.theblogchatter.com/book-review-program-from-blogchatter   

Book Review - Starting a Successful Blog

Book Title : Starting a Successful Blog

Author : Dr. Amrita Basu

Book Review

What excited me to review this book was the "no frills" title, simple and direct. To share with the readers, the book has lived well to its title and done justice to the topic i.e. blogging. Though i am not new to blogging and have been doing so for over a decade but was really keen to get more insights into the art of blogging. The book did provide me with ample of ideas and suggestions.This book is very neatly written and i loved the simplified style of writing where the author does not go overboard in putting too much of jargon and ending up confusing the  readers who are new to the trade (blogging). A balance has been maintained to make the book appeal to both categories of users - the "newbies/ beginners" and the "already bloggers".

The TOC (Table Of Contents) is crisp yet comprehensive, well thought through and covers all the essential areas/ topics, starting from the basics/ fundamentals to the more advanced ones. The book is not just a QSG (Quick Start Guide) for blogging but also has ample to offer on consolidating the practice of blogging. The book is a step-by-step guide for any wannabe blogger and offers enough to understand the concepts of domain, hosting, publishing platforms, SEO, marketing, content creation, layout, ...the list goes on. 

All the chapters are interlaced nicely, giving the entire book an organic flow which is quite helpful for the readers. Also interspersed within these "technical" chapters are nuggets of guidelines and suggestions that sort of complete the entire picture of an end-to-end solution to blogging. The author has chronicled her journey about becoming a blogger and that fits very nicely in the scheme of things.

Though the book is slightly more inclined towards WP (WordPress) platform but still has plenty to offer to those on other platforms like Blogger/ Blogspot. 

The author has been incredibly honest about the subject and shared her vast knowledge and experience to make it really simple for the reader to start their blogging journey. Whether it's about  identifying the purpose of blogging, or bringing discipline in writing or knowing strategies for monetising the blog, this book has it all. The list of tools and resources (many of them free) is like an icing on the cake !

The book handholds the readers through thick and thin in their blogging journey and acts as the perfect DIY (Do It Youself) Kit (for Blogging) to make the journey of a blogger really smooth.

I highly recommend this book for anyone wanting to be a blogger or wanting to improvise blogging skills. A must read !  

Note: The above review is part of the Blogchatter Book Review program,  https://www.theblogchatter.com/book-review-program-from-blogchatter