The Last Bookshop in London

     

#150 #milestone #power of books

"The Last Bookshop in London" by Madeline Martin is a charming and inspiring novel set against the backdrop of World War II. The story follows Grace Bennett, a young woman who moves to London with dreams of a fresh start. Amid the uncertainty and terror of the Blitz, Grace finds herself working at a dusty old bookshop. Initially indifferent to the world of literature, Grace's perspective changes as she discovers the transformative power of books and reading.As the war rages on, the bookshop becomes a haven not only for Grace but also for the community seeking comfort, escapism, and a sense of normalcy in tumultuous times. Her journey of personal growth intertwines with the survival of the bookshop and the relationships she builds along the way.

Bottom line : 

The narrative is not only about survival but also about how stories can provide solace, hope, and connection during the darkest times.

Rating :9.4/10

The House Keeper and The Professor

    

"The Housekeeper and the Professor" by Yoko Ogawa revolves around a brilliant math professor whose memory lasts only eighty minutes due to a traumatic brain injury. Each morning, his memories reset, and the only constants in his life are his fondness for numbers and his trusting relationship with his housekeeper and, eventually, her young son. Despite the professor's limited memory, they begin to form a familial bond expressed through the language of mathematics and the everyday kindnesses they share.Ogawa’s writing is elegantly clear, capturing the poignancy and quiet drama of their daily interactions. The novel reveals how memory and connection can transcend the typical boundaries of time and human limitations. 

Bottom line : 

It’s a heartfelt reminder of the ways in which we, as human beings, strive to connect with one another through whatever means available.

Rating: 8.3/10

The Whisper Man

    

"The Whisper Man" by Alex North is a gripping psychological thriller that delves into the horrors of a long-dormant serial killer resurfacing in a small town. The story centers around Tom Kennedy and his young son Jake, who are trying to start a new life after the sudden death of Jake's mother. They move to the quiet town of Featherbank, seeking peace and a fresh start. However, their arrival coincides with a disturbing case: a young boy has vanished, eerily echoing the series of abductions committed by the infamous murderer known as "The Whisper Man" two decades prior.As Tom and Jake settle into their new home, Jake begins to behave strangely, whispering of hearing a man's voice, chilling Tom to the bone. What happens next?

Bottom line :

A Gripping narrative !

Recommended audience: 13+

Rating : 8.9/10

President's daughter

    

The President's Daughter is a 1927 book by Nan Britton describing her extramarital relationship with Warren G. Harding, the President of the United States, during which they conceived a child. Is the heart warming story of an innocent young girl who became pregnant and gave birth to a child whose father happened to be the President of the United States. No. This is not a tawdry fable. This is a fact. The President was Warren G. Harding who then died suddenly. Some say he was murdered.

Bottom line : Everyone struggles for the justice and the president's daughter is no exception.

Rating : 7.8/10

How to be emotionally strong and have thick skin

     

How to Be Emotionally Strong and Have Thick Skin by Nicola Trilliby is a self-help book that provides practical advice for building emotional resilience. The author outlines steps to develop inner peace, accept circumstances, and avoid absorbing negative energy from others. . By cultivating a thick skin, individuals can improve their mental health, enhance workplace performance, and lead a happier life overall. It’s a valuable resource for anyone looking to strengthen their emotional defenses​​.

Bottom line : 

One of the best defense mechanism books. 

Recommended audience: 

Highly sensitive people. 

Rating : 8.3/10

Our Iceberg is melting

        

Our Iceberg Is Melting by John Kotter tells the story of a group of emperor penguins facing a big problem: their iceberg is melting due to climate change. Fred, a curious penguin, discovers this danger and tries to warn his friends. He gathers a team to come up with a plan to find a new home. Throughout the story, the penguins learn how to work together, overcome their fears, and adapt to change. The book shows the importance of teamwork and good leadership when facing challenges. It offers valuable lessons on managing change effectively​​​​​​.

Bottom line : 

Get adaptive to the change . Don't be in comfort zone is the major point here. The way author narrates with penguins which is similar to Spencer's who moved my cheese. We can't stop comparing every scenarios from this book while reading. 

Recommended audience:

Comfort zone potatoes ! 

Rating : 9.5/10

Buyology

   

In Buyology: Truth and Lies About Why We Buy, Martin Lindstrom reveals how subconscious triggers influence consumer choices. Through extensive neuromarketing research, he uncovers surprising insights—like how branding taps into primal emotions and sensory experiences rather than logic. Lindstrom debunks myths, showing that factors like fear, rituals, and sensory cues shape loyalty more than flashy ads or sexual imagery. This book provides a fresh perspective on how deeply psychological factors drive our buying behaviors, making it an eye-opening read for anyone curious about marketing’s hidden impact​​​​​​.

Bottom line: 

Sellers take advantages on our psychological factors and influence us to buy something which is not even needed.

Recommended audience:

Consumers! 

Rating : 7.8/10

The Action Blueprint

     

The Action Blueprint Overcome overthinking to srive success by Rakesh Mishra is a practical guide for achieving personal and professional goals. Through concise steps, the book emphasizes setting clear objectives, conquering procrastination, and building self-discipline. It provides actionable strategies to help us turn more decisive. This blueprint is ideal for those looking to make meaningful progress toward their ambitions with a focused approach, making it a valuable tool for sustainable success​​​​.

Bottom line : 

The author explains everything in four ways: Mental well-being, Emotional health, Physical health and spiritual growth. 

Recommended audience:

Cat on the wall thinkers !

Rating : 8.5/10

koozhankarakal

       

Koozhankarkal by Kanavu piriyan is a Tamil short story collection which offers us a glimpse of human emotions. Each story, whether rooted in folklore, contemporary themes, or social issues, brings forth vivid characters and relatable emotions, often with a touch of local humor and realism. These stories capture life’s essence through tales of love, resilience, family bonds, and moral values, resonating deeply with Tamil readers. 

Bottom line : 

Most of the stories were written as if those were happening in UAE. Might be author's favourite place. 

Recommended audience :

Quick readers !

Rating : 7.1/10