Rakhi Jayashankar's Blog
August 21, 2023
Sri Aurobindo by Roshen Dalal - Evocative, Spiritual and Enlightening
A few years back, when I visited Puducherry, I have been to Aurobindo Ashram. A serene calm space which is brimful with positivity. Since then I have been intrigued by the life and teachings of Sri Aurobindo. Hence when I saw the book by Roshen Dalal, I didn't have to think twice.

August 19, 2023
Mystics And Sceptics by Namita Gokhale

Mystics and ScepticsBlurbIt is best, in one's sojourns across the Himalaya, to be cautious in chance encounters, for one could well encounter a saint, a siddha, a madman or a charlatan. Mystics and Sceptics, edited by Namita Gokhale, comprises essays on all of these. This uniquely insightful anthology traverses the sacred geography of the Himalayan range, encompassing different cultures and religious traditions in its living legacy. Through myth, legend and anecdotal memory, it includes narratives of wanderers and seekers, gurus and enlightened souls, tricksters and delusionists. The spiritual seekers discussed here include Guru Milarepa, Neem Karoli Baba and Siddhi Ma, Paramhansa Yogananda, Swami Rama, Guru Nanak, Swami Vivekananda, Haidakhan Baba, Yeshe Tsogyal, Lal Ded and Sri Madhav Ashish. Also discussed are the sacred traditions of the dhuni and chimta, the shakti peeths in the Himalayan region, trance runners of Tibet and Bhutan and the Khasi rituals of divination and prophecy.My ReviewThe book confines the readers to mysticism and forces them to manifest the Enlightenment that authors have experienced. Some of them are anecdotes from the authors. For instance, the tale of Neem Karoli Baba. Some others like Milarepa's are biographical accounts. How he graciously held his hand out to embrace his last moments is indeed a mystical reader experience as well as spiritual enrichment. The readers get a chance to acquaint themselves with the enlightened gurus as well as tricksters.
While reading the book, any reader would think of how futile the human gods in front of whom we prostrate ourselves. When the readers are engrossed in the book, it sucks us deep into the multidimensional strata of human spirituality. To have a glimpse of this through the book itself is an achievement to revel about.
July 29, 2023
The Evolution of E-Books and Digital Reading - A Look into the Future
e-books are handy! No? Anytime - anywhere available. Digital reading has certainly added value to the lives of Gen-Z readers who are always on the go but still want to read. The advent of online reading books has revolutionized the way we all consume information and literature.

In the past few decades, electronic books have undergone significant changes, making them a viable and popular alternative to traditional printed books. As technology continues to advance rapidly, the future of e-books and digital reading is brimming with exciting possibilities. In this blog post, we will delve into the evolution of e-books, explore the current state of digital reading, the upsurge of ebooks free download, and examine the potential developments that lie ahead.
The Birth of online reading books aka E-BooksThe concept of electronic books dates back to the 1930s when American inventor Bob Brown first proposed the idea of a "Readies" machine, which could store and display books on a screen. However, it wasn't until the 1970s and 1980s that the groundwork for e-books was laid with the advent of personal computers and electronic displays.
In 1971, Michael Hart created the first e-book by typing the United States Declaration of Independence into a computer. This marked the beginning of Project Gutenberg, which aimed to digitize and archive literary works in the public domain. The development of electronic ink (e-ink) technology in the 1990s was another crucial milestone, offering a more comfortable and paper-like reading experience.
The Rise of E-Readers and TabletsThe real breakthrough for e-books came with the introduction of dedicated e-readers and tablets. In 2007, Amazon's Online reading Kindle was launched, offering a vast selection of e-books and the convenience of a portable library. The Kindle's e-ink display mimicked the appearance of ink on paper, reducing eye strain and enhancing the reading experience.
Following the Kindle's success, other companies like Barnes & Noble with their Nook and Sony with the Sony Reader joined the market. Additionally, tablets such as the iPad brought online reading books app to a broader audience by offering multi-functionality, allowing users to read, browse the web, ebooks free download, and use apps, all in one device.

The proliferation of e-books has had a profound impact on the publishing industry and reading habits. Authors can now publish their works independently through self-publishing platforms, bypassing traditional publishing houses. This democratization of publishing has allowed more voices to be heard, leading to a greater diversity of content available to readers.
Furthermore, digital reading offers several advantages over print books. They are often more affordable, eco-friendly, and easily accessible, eliminating the need to visit physical bookstores or libraries. Digital reading has become a preferred option for travelers and those with limited space, as a single device can hold thousands of books.
1. Enhanced Reading Experience: Multimedia and InteractivityAs technology progresses, e-books are evolving beyond simple text-based formats. Enhanced e-books now incorporate multimedia elements such as ebooks with audio, video, and interactive graphics. This convergence of text and multimedia enhances the reading experience, making it more engaging and immersive.
Educational e-books, in particular, have embraced interactivity to facilitate better learning. Features like embedded quizzes, interactive diagrams, and multimedia explanations help students grasp complex concepts more effectively. As these features continue to advance, e-books will become invaluable tools in education and training.
2. Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) in E-BooksThe integration of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technology opens up entirely new possibilities for e-books. AR can overlay digital content onto the physical world, allowing readers to experience a more interactive narrative. For example, historical fiction could come to life with virtual tours of ancient cities, and science books could showcase 3D models of molecules.
VR, on the other hand, immerses readers in virtual environments, blurring the lines between the real and fictional worlds. Readers could step into the shoes of characters, explore fantastical landscapes, and actively participate in the story's unfolding. The integration of AR and VR in e-books will undoubtedly transform the reading experience, creating a new form of storytelling.
3. Personalization and Adaptive LearningMachine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) have already begun to impact e-books through personalized reading experiences. By analyzing a reader's preferences, reading habits, and engagement patterns, AI algorithms can recommend books tailored to individual tastes. Personalization enhances reader satisfaction, leading to increased reading frequency and broader exposure to different genres.
Adaptive learning is another application of AI in e-books, particularly in the realm of educational content. E-books can analyze a learner's progress, identify areas of difficulty, and adapt the content to suit their learning pace and style. This approach fosters a more efficient and effective learning process, making education more accessible and engaging for all learners.
4. E-Books and Social ReadingThe fun of physical reading lies in social reading! At least I enjoy this a lot. However, the day isn’t far when ebooks will also see the integration of social features, transforming solitary reading into a communal experience. Social reading platforms enable readers to discuss books, share annotations, and even collaborate on projects directly within the e-book environment. Virtual book clubs and online reading communities will strengthen the sense of connection among book enthusiasts worldwide.
Moreover, authors can engage with their readers in real time, conducting live Q&A sessions or providing additional content related to their books. This interaction fosters a deeper connection between authors and readers, leading to increased loyalty and support for their work.
5. Blockchain and Copyright ProtectionAs the digital publishing landscape expands, concerns about copyright protection and piracy arise. Blockchain technology offers a potential solution by providing an immutable ledger to track the ownership and distribution of digital content. Smart contracts can automate royalty payments to authors, ensuring fair compensation for their work, even in a global marketplace.
Additionally, blockchain-powered e-books can provide readers with proof of ownership and authenticity, mitigating concerns about counterfeit or altered copies as well as ebook-free downloads. The application of blockchain technology in the e-book industry promises greater transparency and security for both authors and readers.
6. The Future of E-Books in EducationE-books have already begun to reshape education, but their full potential is yet to be realized. As e-books become more interactive, personalized, and adaptive, they will play an increasingly critical role in modern classrooms. Students will have access to a wealth of learning resources at their fingertips, fostering independent learning and exploration.
Virtual classrooms and online learning platforms will further complement traditional educational settings. E-books will be integrated seamlessly with learning management systems, offering educators better insights into students' progress and facilitating real-time feedback.
7. Challenges and ConsiderationsWhile the future of e-books is undoubtedly promising, it also comes with its challenges. Technological advancements may lead to a digital divide, where not everyone has equal access to e-books and digital reading tools. Addressing this disparity will be crucial to ensure that all individuals, regardless of socioeconomic status, can benefit from the educational and cultural value of e-books.
Additionally, privacy concerns may arise as AI-driven e-books gather more data about readers' preferences and behaviors. Striking a balance between personalized reading experiences and respecting readers' privacy will be essential to maintain trust and confidence in digital reading platforms.
Wrapping upThe evolution of e-books and digital reading has been nothing short of remarkable. From humble beginnings as basic text files to interactive multimedia experiences, e-books continue to evolve, reshaping the way we read and learn. As technology advances, we can expect ebooks to become even more personalized, immersive, and socially integrated.
How comfortable are you with digital reading? If you need to choose between an ebook or a physical book, which one would you prefer? Do you prefer an ebook with audio to a physical copy? Have you ever done an ebook free download?
About the AuthorThis post is written by Jaishree Nenwani.
She is the author of a self-help book “Tiny Habits Massive Results”. Based out of New Delhi, India Jaishree is an Author, blogger, and homepreneur. She is passionate about journaling and loves to share wisdom and journaling tools that invoke deeper authenticity and Personal transformation. She writes about Self-improvement, Personal growth, and ways to become happier in your life. Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or Linkedin.
July 28, 2023
Twisted Tales and Turns by Smita Das Jain
It is easy to write a novel but to brings the plot forth within a short span of time and in limited words is a challenge. Smita Das Jain has mastered the craft and with her new short story collection, Twisted Tales and Turns has opened a new world of imagination for the readers.

July 26, 2023
Dogboy VS Catfish by Luke Gracias - A Surprise Package
Legal thrillers have always been the game changers in literature. The wave that has been set by John Grisham has taken the readers and authors who follow them along. However, most of the legal thrillers that followed, lacked the mettle of the fabulous writer and the depth and layers of his characters and circumstances. For the first time since, I came across an author who has mastered the craft, backed up with research, and enriched with personal experience. Luke Gracias, through his book Dogboy Vs Catfish, has left no stone unturned in laying bare the atrocities suffered by men when women set out to misuse the pro-female marriage laws in Australia.

The plot shifts the base at various levels giving a varying impression about the genre. It takes off as a horror thriller, to contemporary fiction, to a murder mystery to a legal thriller. On a totality, the book is an amalgamation of all genres. In the first chapter when the protagonist is introduced as a shy dog whisperer, the plot takes off from the very moment. The author deftly maintains the mystery surrounding the character of Lindsay Kramer, more so because direct interactions of the protagonist are limited to a couple of sequences in the first chapter.
Further, Katherine Fisher aka Catfish comes into the picture when she claims her rights to Dogboy's asset, her character portrayal reminded me of a classic Danielle Steele craft, but the author has a personal style that stands out, which makes the book unique in its own right.
The Alimony ScamDivorce laws have been formulated in such a way that the exploitation suffered by women could be prevented. However, there are numerous women out there who use this as a stepping stone to gain money. The author has laid bare this scam through his book. How Lindsay successfully bypassed the scam is a brilliant plot to read. The three snakes of the scam and how the tail of one snake is inside the head of another is a shocking read. While everything was good, the book cover turned out to be a disappointment. Though it is not right to judge a book by its cover, an attractive and representative cover would undoubtedly enhance the book. The cover of Dogboy VS Catfish gave an impression of a YA fantasy while the book is a thrilling mystery.July 23, 2023
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July 22, 2023
Book Spotlight - Twisted Tales and Turns: A Journey through the Unexpected by Smita Dad Jain

What if reality was a carefully crafted illusion, and every truth you thought you knew was a mirage?
Get ready to experience a roller coaster of emotions. Just when you think you have it figured out, the unexpected will leap at you from a page, leaving you stunned and breathless.A daughter waiting for her father to return from war...An artist struggling to create a masterpiece...A scientist having her own definition of a better world...A friend who loves without being loved back...A man who has eyes only for another woman on his wedding night…
Twisted Tales and Turns is a captivating collection of short stories where nothing is as it seems.Are you prepared for the buried truths and shocking revelations that lurk beneath the surface?
July 21, 2023
5 Reasons Why Reading is Great for Your Mental Health
In today's fast-paced and technology-driven world, finding ways to take care of our mental health is more important than ever. While various activities can contribute to our well-being, reading stands out as a powerful tool for improving and maintaining mental health. Whether you prefer novels, non-fiction, or poetry, the act of reading can bring numerous benefits to your mind, emotions, and overall sense of well-being.
Let’s explore the reasons why reading is great for your mental health.

In a world filled with stressors, reading serves as an effective escape from reality. Engrossing yourself in a captivating story or informative text can transport you to different worlds, taking your mind off everyday worries and reducing stress. Research has shown that reading for just six minutes can lower heart rate and ease muscle tension, inducing a state of relaxation. By providing an outlet for mental and emotional release, reading helps in managing stress and promoting a calmer mind.
2. Reading brings Cognitive Stimulation and Mental SharpnessReading is a mentally stimulating activity that exercises your brain and keeps it sharp. The process of reading requires concentration, focus, and the ability to comprehend and interpret information. Regular reading enhances vocabulary, improves analytical thinking, and boosts memory retention. Additionally, reading exposes you to diverse perspectives and new ideas, broadening your intellectual horizons and enhancing cognitive flexibility. These mental exercises contribute to overall mental well-being and can even lower the risk of cognitive decline.
3. Reading induces Emotional Empathy and Self-ReflectionOne of the prominent benefits of reading is its ability to evoke emotions and foster empathy. Engaging with characters and their stories can create a deep emotional connection, allowing you to experience different perspectives and empathize with their struggles and triumphs. This emotional engagement enhances your capacity for empathy in real life, leading to improved relationships and a greater understanding of others. Furthermore, reading provides an opportunity for self-reflection, as you may relate to characters' experiences, gain insights into your own emotions, and find solace in shared human experiences.
4. Reading helps to build Stress Resilience and Improves SleepReading before bed has been shown to have a positive impact on sleep quality. The habit of reading a book, rather than scrolling through electronic devices, helps signal to your brain that it's time to wind down and relax. This routine can lead to better sleep patterns, as the blue light from screens is known to disrupt sleep. Quality sleep is vital for mental health, as it enhances cognitive function, emotional regulation, and stress resilience. By incorporating reading into your bedtime routine, you can promote healthier sleep habits and reap the benefits of improved mental well-being.
5. Reading leads to Personal Growth and EscapismReading offers a gateway to personal growth and self-improvement. Books provide knowledge, insights, and wisdom from diverse authors, allowing you to expand your understanding of the world and yourself. Through reading, you can explore different cultures, historical events, and personal journeys, which can foster personal development and empathy. Moreover, reading can serve as a form of healthy escapism. Immersing yourself in a captivating story can transport you to different times, places, and realities, offering respite from daily stressors and providing a renewed sense of energy and motivation.
What should I Read?Do you have the same question that I had? What should I read?
If you're looking to incorporate reading into your life, it's important to choose books that align with your interests. The genre or type of book doesn't matter as much as the act of reading itself. Even if you can only manage to read a few pages at a time, it still makes a difference.
To begin your reading journey, start by visiting your local used bookstore or library. The staff there, whether librarians or bookstore employees are usually more than happy to offer recommendations based on your preferences. Before purchasing a book, take a moment to skim through the first few pages. Do the characters or the setting intrigue you? The key is to find books that capture your attention and pique your curiosity.
Once you establish a reading habit, you'll likely notice improvements in your sleep quality and mood. Whether you're fully engrossed in an audiobook during your commute or sneaking in a few pages while doing household chores, reading can have a positive impact on your overall well-being.
Even when the weather turns colder and you find yourself spending more time indoors, reading allows your mind to escape to any place you desire through the power of a good story.
Closing WordsReading is not only a source of entertainment and knowledge; it also has numerous benefits for your mental health. From reducing stress and promoting relaxation to enhancing cognitive abilities and fostering empathy, the act of reading can have a profound impact on your overall well-being. By carving out time in your routine for reading and making it a priority, you can unlock the transformative power of books and experience the positive effects on your mental health. So, grab a book, find a cozy corner, and embark on a journey of self-discovery, learning, and emotional well-being through the pages of a good book.
About Post Author:Kiran K Adharapuram is an ecstatic techie with a decade-plus of technical expertise, currently outperforming as "Lead IT Consultant Engineer" in one of the top-notch IT companies. Without limiting himself to a vicious "9-5" job, he extended his arms to become a successful Bibliophile, Bookstagrammer, Blogger, Social Media Freak, Book Reviewer, Casual Writer, Spiritual Believer, and Occasional Journalling Practitioner.
More about him here:https://www.instagram.com/kiran_ kumar_adharapuram
You may follow him professionally here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adityakirankumar/
July 20, 2023
The Swag Family Travels : Visits Mumbai by The Madhatter - A Refreshing Style of Kids Book
My 7-year-old is a book enthusiast but he is picky when it comes to the appeal of books. He needs attractive colors, flashy texture, and intermittent tasks to perform. In short, he looks forward to a complete activity package. The Swag Family Travels is one book that fits his description of an ideal book. Let me walk you through why?

Overall the book is a refreshing change from the same old princess and Grandma tales.
July 14, 2023
Moms in The Wild by Nidhi Raichand - Brutally Honest, Sarcastically Rich
If you have been following me for a while, you would knowabout y initiative Moms of Kochi. When I was reading the book, I was surprisedto see how the mom’s community across India is similar. Having been a part ofthe mom influencer groups, parents’ groups of kids, and also moms of Kochi, Ifound the book relatable at various strata. Moms in the Wild is a murdermystery cum women’s fiction cum contemporary fiction.

Moms in the Wild by Nidhi Raichand
The plot begins with the murder of Natasha Babani, a celebrity mom, who has been instrumental in the Clean Ahalya initiative. Sneha Talwar, a young journalist discovers her body when she goes to her residence for her debut interview. Having encountered many moms living around and being involved with Natasha, Shreya is introduced to a new world of competition among mothers about bethe st school for their child to the most popular mother. While Sneha is in the process of writing a posthumous post about her, the news of the possibilityNatasha'sshas death being a murder arises.
Though the tribute is published amidst the hush-hush about her death, Shreya is disappointed with the cold response. She writes another post under the influence of the transpiring circumstances. The second half of the plot is about how this goes down with the mom's fraternity and the speculations about Natasha's murder.
RelatabilityThe book is relatable to me at various levels. Be it Natasha's initiative or the politics inside the school or having a community - I have been everywhere Nidhi Raichand has touched. I could relate closely to Natasha's works with mine in terms of Moms of Kochi. Though I am not having a glamorous social media profile, the relationships of Natasha with fellow mothers are closely relatable and hence left me wondering how the author has come so close to reality. Probably the mom's life is the same everywhere.The author has deftly woven the mystery around Natasha's character. The plot begins with Natasha's demise but she is alive throughout the book. While the readers are connecting with Natasha's past, the author simultaneously makes them travel along with Shreya's present. The vileness of the unforgiving social media, the baselessness of the rat race, the superficial relations - the author has, directly and indirectly, pointed out the pros and cons of the society.