I am Papa by Pranav Bhattacharya

I first read a review of this book at Veens' space and it made it to my TBR list. That is why when I spotted it in a book shop at Mumbai Airport, I bought it. I am glad I did as I spent a good amount of my time on my Mumbai-Kolkata flight reading it. It has been quite a while since I read it (yeah, this review has been long due), so instead of racking my brains to remember the whole plot, I am quoting the synopsis from the back of the book.

Synopsis:

Sometimes, life presents you with a problem so huge,that you are forced to ask : “Where do I start?”

Prof. Arya came back home to enjoy a quiet, retired life. One fine day, his son disappeared, without a trace.All he left behind was a note addressed to Papa.
What would you do if this happened to you?Would you know where and how to start looking for him? Would you be scared stiff and just freeze?
Would you stick to the notions of morality, legality and political correctness?
Every situation needs a Hero, and every adverse circumstance gives birth to one. Who said that a retired Professor can’t be a Hero?!
Join the protagonist of Pranav Bhattacharya’s debut novel as he embarks on a heart-throbbing and
perplexing journey,armed with nothing but his quiet determination and unfailing sense of humor.


I enjoyed reading this book from the very beginning till the end. There was no a single dull moment in the story and after every chapter, I was anticipating what would happen next! The writing style is plain and simple and yet, the author has been able to create  suspense throughout the novel. I really liked Prof. Arya for his unfailing love for his son, no matter what, for the determination with which he took the task of finding his son and bringing him back. There are some unfinished plots in the novel which makes me curious. But, then I feel in real life too there are stories left incomplete, questions that are left unanswered. However, I have heard that there might be a sequel to it and I will surely look forward to it.


I had passed on this book to my younger sister and the book did rounds in her hostel and all her friends loved reading it. Overall, a good read, an engrossing story full of twists and turns. If you looking for a quick read pick it up for sure.

Spicy Corn Chaat ~ For Blog Hop Wednesdays~From Sizzling Tastebuds

It is time again for another edition of Blog Hop Wednesday. This week I am assigned Kalyani akka Mom Chef's blog- Sizzling Tastebuds. I would like to express my heartflet gratitude to Radhika for creating such wonderful event. It is indeed a pleasure to visit blog and try recipes from there. In this process I have discovered so many fabulous blog and I believe I will continue doing so. If you too want to be a part of this event check out this.

Coming back to the recipe I have chosen today, it is Spicy Corn Chaat. It is for them who are craving for a spicy chaat and yet are worried about junk food getting into their bellies. In my case, I have already put on quite a lot on my India visit, so I am trying to avoid anything that will add to my already increased waistline..:-(!

I too prepare a similar version often, but this one has loads of vegetable and hence for colourful and healthy too! Thank you Kalyani for this wonderful and healthy recipe.

Spicy Corn Chaat:

Ingredients:
1 cup boiled corn
1/4 cup chopped tomatoes
1/4 cup chopped onions
2 tbsp chopped green pepper.
Handful of chopped coriander.
1/4 tsp Black salt
1 tbsp lemon juice.
1/2 tsp chat masala
a dash of freshly ground pepper.
chopped green chilli to taste.

Process:

1. Add all the ingredients for the dressing in a bowl and mix.
2. In another large bowl, add all the other ingredients and corn preferably warm/mildly hot.
3. Pour the dressing over it and mix well. Serve immediately.

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I too had a love story by Ravinder Singh

I chanced upon this book at my sister's place in Kolkata. On inquiring, I found that my brother had left it at her place while shifting places for his job. Now, my brother is not much of a reader and that he was interested in this particular book intrigued me. More over, the past tense in the title of the book made me curious. I was sure, it was going to be an easy read. It is the debut novel of the author, Ravinder Singh. I borrowed this book from my sister and finished it in two sittings!

The author tells his love story through this book. It has a tragic end, which explains the past tense of the title. It is the love story of Ravin and Khushi. The author tells how he met the girl of her dreams and how their love bloomed. But, things doesn't happen as he had thought as destiny had other plans for them. Giving out more about the story would not do justice to any aspiring readers. So, read the book to find out more. Having said that,I must add that if you are looking for a literary piece than it's not one. If you are looking for a meticulously crafted plot in the story, it doesn't have one. What catches your attention in this book, is the simplicity of the book and the honesty with which the author has written it, and that this story is based on his own love story makes you empathize with the author for having gone through a difficult patch in life.

The story is plainly written yet beautifully executed. All emotions conveyed through the story are delivered. It is indeed a touching love story and it did struck a chord in my heart.

It is the kind of book I would prefer when I am in a mood for a light read.

The author has put his heart and soul in writing this book.It will stay in your mind long after you have read it.

My India Trip ~ In a Nutshell And Diwali Greetings!

A post about my recent India visit has been long due, so has been the reviews of the books I have read of late. It has been almost two weeks I am back to this corner of the world but the realization of being back has been sinking in slowly. But, as the saying goes, better late than never, so here I am with a post of my India trip. But, before that, I want to convey my heartiest Diwali wishes to all my readers and fellow bloggers!

 May the glow of lamps fill your life with joys...

And the year ahead bring good fortune and happiness to cherish forever!!!

                       Wishing you and your family a very Happy, Prosperous and Safe Diwali.

Coming back to my India trip, as I have already said, it was somewhat hectic but I enjoyed every bit of it. My flight was uneventful and I reached my destination without any hassle.

I had been to my hometown, Dhubri for 3 weeks. My elder sister also came down with me and we had a great time there. I spent a good time with my nephew- Pranay akka Gullu. To tell you something about my dear nephew- he is naughty, intelligent and the sweetest boy ever. Stories about him will need another post!

My Nephew- Pranay.. When he puts on his sunglasses he thinks he is the smartest guy ever!

My time in Kolkata just went by juggling with various activities. There were so many things to do that time seemed to be flying by... We took a break from the hectic schedule and went to Puri for 3 days. It was a much needed relaxed break and we enjoyed it immensely.

 Puri Sea Beach

Me and the Sea!

My India trip went something like this:

Dublin-Frankfurt-Mumbai-Kolkata

Kolkata-Dhubri

Dhubri-Kolkata

Kolkata-Puri

Puri-Kolkata

Kolkata-Pune

Pune-Mumbai

Mumbai-Frankfurt-Dublin.

So, did I exaggerate when I said it was hectic!

I bought a couple of books by India authors. The luggage weight limitation curtailed my list but still I managed to bring, Jaya by DevDutt Patnaik, The Difficulty of being good by Gurcharan Das, By the water Cooler by Parul Sarma ( finished reading and review due) and Saraswati Park by Anjali Joseph. While in India I read I am Papa by Pranav Bhattacharya, I too had a love story by Ravinder Singh and If I forget and forgive you by Prasant Sharma. Reviews of these are also long due and I hope to do it all by the month's end. As is evident from the titles, I have picked books by Indian authors only and I am looking forward to reading them.


Once again, Happy Diwali! I will be up with some pictures of Diwali here soon. Enjoy!
Thank you for stopping by! Cheers!

Salty Cumin Cookies & Aloo Tikki Chat~ For Blog Hop Wednesdays~ A Double Post

Its time again for a 'Blog Hop' post. Blog Hop Wednesdays is an initiative taken by Radhika. To know more about this event check this.
From the very title of the post, it is evident that I am going to post two recipes here. Let me explain!
For the 7th edition of Blog Hop I am assigned Dee's Kitchen and I have chosen her Salty Jeera Cookies. It has been quite a while since I baked anything and my hands are seriously itching to get baking!

The second recipe I am doing is from Veena's Space, Veg Junction. I had missed a blog hop post when I was on my India visit. Initially I had zeroed on her Khandvi recipe, which I have tried twice, but didn't get the chance to click! So, the other day when I was going through her space, I chanced upon her Aloo Tikki and the sweet memories of gorging on chats on my India visit came flooding to me and I knew I had to make it soon. So, taking inspiration from that I prepared Aloo Tikka Chat!

So, first can I entice you with these Salty Cumin Cookies:

Ingredients:
3/4 cup AP Flour

¼ cup soft butter+1 tsp butter to grease hands

2 tbsp powdered sugar.

¼ tsp salt.

¼ tsp cumin seeds.

¼ tsp carom seeds
2 tbsp water


Process:

1. Pre-heat the oven at 180 C and line a baking tray.

2. Add the cumin and carom seeds to the flour and mix. Now add the butter in flour and mix it.

3. Knead the flour well with fingers till smooth. Add water little by little as required.

4. Shape the dough into 10 even sized balls with greased hands
5. Place them on the lined baking tray and flatten the balls with a fork.
6. Bake the cookies for 15-18 min. at 180 degree till they are light golden. Cool them completely before storing.
7. Serve them with hot tea or coffee.

The cookies were awesome and had a perfect texture. I will surely make them again.

Now can we have some chat on the table!

Aloo Tikki Chat:

Ingredients:

Serves 2:

2 large potatoes, boiled, peeled and mashed.

1 tbsp grated ginger.

1 green chilli finely chopped, optional/to taste.

1 tbsp corn flour.

1/2 tsp sugar.

1/2 tsp red chilli powder.

1/2 tbsp roasted cumin powder.

2 tbsp chat masala.

3-4 tbsp Green Chutney

6-7 tbsp Sweet Tamarind Chutney.

1 cup yoghurt.

Salt to taste.

Oil as needed.

Pomegranate pearls, nylon sev and chopped coriander to garnish.

Process:

1. In a bowl add mashed potatoes, grated ginger, green chilli, corn flour and salt and mix well. Shape them into 4 even sized balls and flatten them inthe shape of tikkis.

2. Shallow fry them on a hot tava. Keep aside.

3. Whisk the yoghurt till smooth. Add salt, sugar and a spoon of sweet chutney.

4. To serve arrange 2 tikkis per plate and pour the yoghurt mixture over it. Top it with green chutney and sweet chutney. Sprinkle roasted cumin powder, chat masala, red chilli powder. Garnish it with pomegranate pearls, nylon sev and chopped coriander leaves.

5. Serve immediately and enjoy!

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