Reviewed-- "Dhandha: How Gujaratis Do Business" by Ms. Shobha Bondre

We all love Gujaratis, sometimes for their sweetness, sometimes for their food, sometimes for their nature and sometimes for their culture. While different communities in India are famous for different reasons, Gujaratis are revered for their Sense of Business and Spirit of Entrepreneurship.

Saluting the spirit of making Big in this world and celebrating the immense will power of Gujaratis to succeed, comes a book called “Dhandha: How Gujaratis Do Business” , indeed very adroitly written by Ms.Shobha Bondre. 

This book is a collection of stories of five Gujaratis who have made big in this world, showing that although their area of success was different, the underlying spirit was same. From the story of a diamond merchant to the story of a hotelier couple, this book grips you and entertains you throughout with a very different kind of narrative. You feel like reading a fiction novel rather than a biography with all the twists and turns.

No mundane facts and figures or no boring details are featured in this book, rather the author has beautifully narrated the hardships these men and women went through before they were successful. The focus has been on the humane side of these persons which helps the reader to connect with the stories.

We all want to be successful and rich someday, doing what we love to do, but we all shy away from the effort that is required to achieve our dreams. So this book comes handy in highlighting the facts that one, nothing is impossible if you have decided to achieve a goal, two, you need a will of steel and third, you need to put in continuous and sincere efforts if you want to achieve something (In idiomatic way —You have to die, if you want to go to heaven).

Another aspect which I personally enjoyed reading was the fact that in almost all stories you’ll find the role  spouse, family, friends and community at large played to help the individual achieve his/her goals. It has been quite evident that without their support the individual might have failed in his/her venture. Also, you’ll observe that all successful Gujaratis are so connected to their roots and still love them and respect them, while leading a life of simplicity and not becoming haughty because of all the money and success.

All in all a very Enjoyable, Motivational and Entertaining read. We all can learn a thing or two from these inspiring stories. The fact that stories are not very long and the book itself is of manageable size, it makes a perfect read for anyone.  I would like to sincerely congratulate and laud the author of “Dhandha: How Gujaratis Do Business” for bringing out this beautiful and well researched piece of literary work.  Hats-off to Ms. Bondre and undying spirit of Entrepreneurship of Gujaratis. 

Verdict—I’m happily giving it 4 out of 5 Stars (4/5). Do read if you are looking for some motivation in life. This book indeed is a "Pocketful of Stars". 

                                            

                      ~~Perseverance indeed leads to  Excellence.~~

Cheerio :)

Emoticons

PS: You can like me and follow me on Google+ by clicking buttons just below my Pic on top left or mail me at digvijay005@gmail.com. You can find me on Facebook(digvijay005@gmail.com) and Twitter (@Digvijay05) also. Do share in comments how you like my review. 

Stroke of The Master...Inferno Reviewed

In today’s world of fast food and every other things fast which fade away from memory as soon as you are done with them, there’s an author which has been successful in bringing out a story that  has managed to leave an impression, has elevated my thinking level and will stand the test of the time .Rightfully, it has already been declared a blockbuster hit. Read on about the masterpiece named-"Inferno"

Seven years ago, when I read “DaVinci Code” by Dan Brown, I became his fan instantly and went on to read rest of his novels too, with each novel making me love his writing more and more. So, when after a gap of almost three years, “Inferno” was released, I was dying to read that and soon I had in my hands hardcover version of "Inferno"

The book has been written in a typical Dan Brown language. The protagonist, Robert Langdon, embarks on a new quest in this immaculately written novel. He continues his journey following the clues from art and history to save the world from a possible disaster. Also, along his journey, Dan Brown keeps explaining the meaning and relevance of various artifacts and monuments through Robert Langdon, which I personally enjoy a lot. The thing to note here is that all this history is so meticulously weaved in the story that you are left in awe after reading that.

Dan Brown has managed to keep the pace of the story at a very enjoyable level. Never did I feel that the story is being dragged or is being rushed. But the things that make you jump from your seat/bed are the clever and so unexpected twists and turns. You might be expecting things to turn out in a particular way, and then Dan Brown, derails your expectations and bring in a new twist. Hats-off to him for that.

All the characters are quite well sketched showing their mindsets, thinking and motivation to accomplish whatever they have thought. The part of art and History he has brought forth is a bit dark but very intriguing giving the story a very grim hue and a chilling feel.

Along with above things, the thing that stands out for me (and has always been in his earlier novels) is the premise of the story, the core question or the philosophy that stirs the grey matter in your brain (I’ll not discuss here to rob you off a serious soul churning ;)). The perspective he has brought up is very relevance in today’s world (and I’m pro to that.. : P)  and we all should think about that a bit.

All in all a very enjoyable and thrilling read.  The only thing I found lacking that the climax left wanting me more. It’s not that “Boom” kind of climax I was expecting (like in Angels and Demons).  But if you really think through it does justify the story.

(As in The Dark Knight movie)—“It was the climax that it(the story) needed and not the climax that it wanted.” ;)

Verdict— 4.5/ 5 stars. It’s not a novel you want to miss. You can read this book even if you haven’t read any of earlier Dan Brown’s novels.

                                ~~Excellence lies in each meticulously crafted detail. ~~

Cheerio :)

Dj (Digvijay) 

PS: You can like me and follow me on Google+ by clicking buttons just below my Pic on top left or mail me at digvijay005@gmail.com. You can find me on Facebook(digvijay005@gmail.com) and Twitter (@Digvijay05) also. Do share in comments how you like my review.