![The Justice by Nikhil Khasnabish – A book review]()
review, Romance |
As soon as I had the chance, I jumped at the chance of reading The Justice when I heard it was a book based on a true survivor of rape and sexual abuse. Did it work for me? You have to read my book review of The Justice by Nikhil Khasnabish to know more.
About The Justice
Book Name: The Justice
Author: Nikhil Khasnabish
Genre: Fiction – Romance
Characters: Ime Borah, Zumur, Pranati and Pinto, Uddipan
Setting: Assam, India
Disclaimer: The review was commissioned by the author and it has not changed my opinion on the book any manner.
Plot Summary of The Justice
Ime Borah has had a sheltered and happy life. A parents who loved her, supportive friends and a fiancé who can’t wait to marry her.
But her whole life changes when she is raped by two men. Her parents do not let her out of their sight or their house and her best friend broke up with her. Most importantly, Ime decides to call off her wedding because she knows “she is stained”.
Her area’s local vigilante group, Save Women Society, take it upon themselves to find her rapists. Does justice prevail? Do the culprits get captured? Does she get her life back forms the rest of The Justice by Nikhil Khasnabish.
Book review of The Justice
The Justice by Nikhil Khasnabish is a fast paced, short book that can be read in an hour or so. It is written in an Indianized English and is filled with phrases like “cut the call”.
To be honest, I spent a lot of time thinking if it was just me or it was normal to feel grated by that but I have been called a snob. So take my warning with a pinch of salt.
But one thing that actually annoyed me was Ime’s constant beratement of herself and considering herself stained because she is raped. While I understand that the rape victims may do that, I could feel that it was overdone.
I know I maybe overreacting (or underreacting, I have not decided which yet), but this has theme has been on the Indian mass media and literature for far too long. It is high time we put an end to it.
I liked some of the background stories of the side characters like Sirco-ji. But after a point, these became a white noise as there were too many to recount.
I wished I saw more of Uddipan, instead of just hearing from Ime to understand about their relationship better. Like most parts of the book, I had go by the author’s narrative telling, instead of him showing it.
What worked for me
- I loved hearing about the stories of other side characters from Assam, a state that I have a soft corner for.
- Many people I know, may love reading the localized/Indianized version of English.
What may have been better
- There were many instances of telling instead of showing. And that bothered with the narrative.
- I hated the victim shaming and treating being raped as a stain and considering the victim worthless after that.
Content warning
Brutal rape, mentions of stalking and raping the victims, Victim shaming and considering being raped an indelible stain, cases of “men writing women”.
Bottom line
The Justice by Nikhil Khasnabish is a short book that you can finish in a sitting. Read it if you are looking for an “Indian writing in English” book.
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review, Romance |
I came across this book when I was scouting a book for the letter J for my A to Z 2020 challenge. Unfortunately, I ended up reading The Jane Austen Society by Natalie Jenner then. But I finally got to read this on quite recently. Ready to read my book review of Juniper Lemon’s Happiness Index by Julie Israel?
About Juniper Lemon’s Happiness Index
Book Name: Juniper Lemon’s Happiness Index
Author: Julie Israel
Genre: Fiction – Romance, Young adult
Characters: Juniper and Camilla Lemon, Kody, Brand Sayers, Nate, Angela
Setting: Oregon, The USA
Plot Summary of Juniper Lemon’s Happiness Index
Juniper Lemon recently lost her sister Camilla. She and her family are trying to cope up with the loss and grief, but not so well. To make it worse, her best friend would not talk to her either.
The only thing that is holding Juniper up was continuing her Camilla’s ritual of writing down positive things for each day. And then she loses an index card. The index card that has a memory that the world can’t know about.
Juniper knows she has to find it right away. Also she comes to know that her sister had a special someone, someone Juniper knew nothing about.
Does Juniper lemon find her happiness index card? Who was this “You” in Camilla’s life? Did Juniper ever meet them? You will have to read Juniper Lemon’s Happiness Index by Julie Israel to find out.
Book review of Juniper Lemon’s Happiness Index
Juniper Lemon’s Happiness Index by Julie Israel talks a lot about grief and loss of a beloved. And they way they deal (or not deal) with it. And I loved how Juniper/Julie Israel talks of grief and resonated with me personally. I really wanted to hug her tightly for a minute.
The book also has some cliché young adult drama. But they somehow felt right, to me. Watch out for the character development of the female lead, Juniper. From someone annoying and nosy she does grow up fast.
I loved how Juniper ended being friends with people she normally won’t have spoken to. The dialogues and banter between the friends were witty and I enjoyed reading. I flew through the book in a sitting.
What worked for me
- This is YA book that focuses on grief over the loss of a beloved and unexpected friendships.
- I loved the banter and witty dialogues between the friends.
- Perfect character development for Juniper and other characters were also fully fleshed.
What may have been better
- I wished I learned more about her family and their bonding.
- I think the romance angle could have been avoided. But I understand that it is inevitable.
Content warning
Loss and grief over the loss of a sibling, Teacher-student relationship (hinted), Car accident, parental abuse and negligence
Bottom line
Juniper Lemon’s Happiness Index by Julie Israel is a typical coming of age book that handles heavier topic like grief and loss of a sibling. For a book dealing over so much grief, it didn’t end up to be a sad book. And that is win for me!
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review, Romance |
I rarely write about books that didn’t work out well for me, especially if it were a hyped one. But then I come across a book that everyone raved about and I could not not rant about it. So here is my book review on November 9 by Colleen Hoover.
About November 9
Book Name: November 9
Author: Colleen Hoover
Genre: Fiction – Romance, Young adult
Characters: Fallon O’ Neil, Benton(Ben) Kessler, Jordyn
Setting: Los Angeles, California, The USA
Plot Summary of November 9
On November 9, Ben and Fallon meet at a restaurant and they have an instant connection. Ben is an aspiring writer and Fallon an actress and an avid reader.
But Fallon is moving across the country the next day and also she feels she will not be ready for a serious relationship for the next 5 years (until she turns 23).
So they decide to go on with their lives and date other people but only meet each other every year on November 9. And they would have no more contact with each other other than that one day of a year.
But do their attraction stand strong with just that one in 365 days? You will have to read November 9 by Colleen Hoover to know more.
Book review of November 9
The plot immediately reminded me of One Day (and one of the character mentions it even), but I have tried to overlook that while reviewing.
The book follows the time that the duo spend together, year after year and we get an alternating POV for both characters of the same date. We do not hear more about the characters’ lives apart from that.
November 9 was my first book by Colleen Hoover, an author I had been meaning to read for a long time and my expectations were quite high.
True to her fame, CoHo’s writing hooked me right at the first chapter and the banter between the characters worked out mostly. The characters Ben and Fallon were fleshed out well.
And honestly that is all that I could muster to speak in the pro section.
“Why would a girl care to find herself when she’ll never be able to make herself feel as good as a guy can?”
I understand the heat of the moment and all, but I think this quote from the book made double take. I understand that Fallon is insecure about herself and is generally melodramatic but this is NOT OKAY at all.
I hated how Ben consistently disregarded Fallon’s consent, objectified her, stalked her and ordered her around. And Fallon’s father is not a saint either. To make matters worse, she forgives both of them instantly and starts a good relationship with them at the end. Well why did I even read it?
Also what is with Ben’s obsession about Fallon’s scars sexually? Especially, after knowing his secret (that he was the one who started the fire (intentionally) which left her scarred and disfigured and he knew who she was the whole time) his behavior was just disgusting.
What worked for me
- I loved Colleen Hoover’s writing and the banter kept me going and hooked.
- Though the plot seemed similar to One day, it takes a different turn once you get over it.
What may have been better
- BEN! I wish influential and best selling authors like Colleen Hoover would pay more attention to their characters and what they do.
- I disliked that Fallon forgave her father too easily.
Content warning
Male ignoring non consent, arson, parent suicide,
Bottom line
November 9 by Colleen Hoover was a well written contemporary New age romance. While it seems to have some HUGE red flags, you can still pick a copy based on the other 4+ star ratings on Goodreads.
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review, Romance, YA |
I seriously don’t know why and how had I not read this book earlier. I loved the author’s debut book A Thousand Perfect Notes, and I absolutely adore Cait’s (the author) blog. So what’s my verdict on this one? Read my book review on The Boy Who Steals Houses by C G Drew to find out.
About The Boy Who Steals Houses
Book Name: The Boy Who Steals Houses
Author: C G Drew
Genre: Fiction – Romance, Young adult
Characters: Sam and Avery Lou, Moxie, Jack, Jeremy De Lainey
Plot Summary of The Boy Who Steals Houses
15 year old Sam Lou is a homeless teenager, who breaks into empty houses just to find somewhere safe to sleep. He and his older brother Avery have been on the run for sometime now.
All through his life, Sam has been the adult and takes care of Avery, who is on the Autism spectrum. When all the adults in their family fail, Sam had to grow up too quickly and all he ever wanted was a safe home where he belonged with Avery.
But when Avery falls into a bad crowd, Sam is left all alone to fend himself. When he breaks into an “empty house” he realizes what he has been missing all these days.
Does he have to choose between feeling belonged to a family and Avery? If yes, what would he choose? You might have to read The Boy Who Steals Houses by C G Drew to know more.
Book review of The Boy Who Steals Houses
This book will break your heart. Do not come at me when you are a mess trying not to cry – but in a good way.
I absolutely adored every character and I wanted to protect Sam and Avery from any harm ever. And there will be a warm and sunshine-y place for the DeLaineys in my heart forever.
I was a bit worried about how The Boy Who Steals Houses would ever stand up to the expectations that C G Drew had created after her fantastic debut A Thousand Perfect Notes. But the author has proved her worth and it does more than expected.
This book is not too long and I finished in two short sittings. I can understand that it was written for a younger audience but that fact didn’t reduce the pleasure I had reading the book.
What worked for me
- The characters. I love how fleshed out each of them were and I loved them all.
- I love the world building and the lyrical writing. C G Drew proves that she is YA writer we all have to watch out for.
- Though written for a younger audience, The Boy Who Steals Houses will work for all ages well.
- It is an own voice book and the author herself is on the Autism spectrum. And I think it shows.
What may have been better
Content warning
Child abuse and Parental negligence, death of parent, ablest terms
Bottom line
The Boy Who Steals Houses by C G Drew is easily one of the favorite books of the year. Pick it up if you are looking some heart warming characters right away.
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review, Romance |
I hoped I will like Beach Read by Emily Henry, especially after hearing raving reviews from all over the blogosphere. But when I found out that it was about two writers, I knew I was going to love it. Did that happen so for me?
Read my book review of Beach Read by Emily Henry to know more.
About Beach Read
Book Name: Beach Read
Author: Emily Henry
Genre: Fiction – Romance
Characters: Augustus Everett, January Andrews, Peet,
Setting: Michigan, The USA
Plot Summary of Beach Read
January Andrews, a romance writer, gives up her belief in love when she hears some life shattering news at her father’s funeral. And that pushes her into a writer’s slump and a financial crunch.
What happens when a romance writer stops believing in love and romance? Ask January Andrews. Her father is dead and she comes to know that her parents’ marriage was not a fairy tale romance as she grew up believing.
Now she is in a writing slump, her mother is not speaking to her and she has to go to her father’s cabin for the summer, because that is all she can afford to, anymore.
To make matters worst, her neighbor is her college nemesis, someone who ridiculed her women centric romance novels.
Does the summer get any better for January? Can she win over her toughest critic? You have to read Beach Read by Emily Henry to know more.
Book review of Beach Read
As a bibliophile, I love reading about writers, and a romance with two writers was just a perfect way to spend my afternoon.
Despite that Beach Read was a bit hard to get into. Of course, it could have been a totally “me” situation. But it is not exactly a fun read that the book cover or the blurb made it out to be.
I loved the witty banter between the main characters and Beach Read was more than a rom-com or just a romance. It deals with many intense topics like grief, loss and infidelity.
The best part about reading Beach Read is getting to know the working process of two different writers and understanding what goes inside their brains. I enjoyed that entirely.
What worked for me
- I loved the witty banter and lively romance of the lead pair.
- Beach Read deals with intense topics like grief and infidelity and is more than just a romance book.
- If you want to see what goes behind your favorite author’s brain, Beach Read might show a glimpse of their writing process.
What may have been better
- If you are looking for a breezy read, Beach Read may prove a bit beyond that. But that may not be a bad thing.
Content warning
Mention of a cult, past mentions of child abuse and domestic abuse, mentions of breast cancer and chemo, adultery, death of a parent.
Bottom line
Beach Read by Emily Henry is a well written romance book that deals with grief and loss. If you wanna read a book about writers writing your favorite book, this might be a great choice.
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review, Romance |
I don’t usually read Historical romances but with the hype from the Netflix series and the bookstagram, I had to pick The Duke and I by Julia Quinn, the famed Bridgerton series. How did that work for me? Read my book review to know more.
About The Duke and I
Book Name: The Duke and I (Bridgerton #01)
Author: Julia Quinn
Genre: Fiction – Romance, Historical
Characters: Daphne Bridgerton, Simon Basset
Setting: London, England, The UK
Plot Summary of The Duke and I
Set in the Regency London, Daphne Bridgerton is the fourth of eight siblings in a close-knit family and is ready to meet her suitors. While everyone likes her wit and kindness, no one actually adores her. She is too friendly with her young suitors to be a romanced.
Simon Basset, the Duke of Hastings is new to the scene as he has just returned to England from his stay abroad. He is not interested in marriage nor progeny, but he is constantly paraded by the mothers and daughters as an eligible bachelor.
So when Daphne, Simon’s best friend’s sister offers him a way out he takes it. They fake court, so that Simon will deter the parade and Daphne will get more prospects to choose from.
The plan works well, until it goes wrong horribly. Does the Duke and Daphne understand the folly in their plan and do they end up in a HEA? Read The Duke and I by Julia Quinn to know more.
Book review of The Duke and I
The Duke and I was my first book set in Regency London and my first time reading Julia Quinn’s writing as well. And imagine my surprise when I flew through the pages in an afternoon.
Julia Quinn’s writingwas witty and hilarious. I loved the banters and the sibling’s taunts. Even if they followed a half of Julia’s dialogues in the Netflix version, I won’t be surprised at what a hit the Bridgerton series has been. (Yes, I haven’t watched it yet.)
I loved the Bridgerton family dynamic and the drama. I would definitely have to keep a watch out for the other books.
On the other hand, I didn’t like the female lead at all, not even before that ONE SCENE. Don’t even start me with the Duke. He was lying and manipulative as well. So made for each other I guess.(?)
I loved the book and had a merry time with it, until that one scene.
Yes, it was cringe-y, manipulative, non consensual scene that spoiled everything for me. I understand the book was written in early 2000s, the “rules were different” then (no, they weren’t) and blah blah, but I completely lost it after that. (I am hoping that Netflix guys changed this one.)
What worked for me
- The funny, witty banter sprinkled all through the book. I loved them. Julia Quinn made chuckle, grin, laugh and even snort at one point.
- I loved the Bridgerton family dynamics and the younger ones were funny as well. I want more of the Bridgerton world y’all!
What may have been better
- Both the leads were flawed, manipulative and lying. But given the time period it was set in, maybe it was normal I guess. Anyway, I was able to look past it.
- Why did I have to read a non consensual sex (rape?) scene. It spoiled everything for me.
Content warning
Non consensual sex, parental neglect
Bottom line
While I loved the writing, the character building and the Bridgerton world, there were things that put me off The Duke and I by Julia Quinn. But I will definitely read Julia Quinn’s other books and continue the Bridgerton series soon (assuming they were not problematic or off putting).
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