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FALL LIKE A ROSE PETAL A FATHER'S LESSONS ON HOW TO BE HAPPY AND CONTENT WHILE LIVING WITHOUT MONEY
In early 2008, the author AVIS Viswanathan and Vaani – his soul-mate, friend, wife and business partner – were staring at a bankruptcy of their Firm. A series of business decisions had literally brought them to the brink of penury. This book is their story. It captures learnings from this excruciatingly painful, Life-changing, phase that they are still going through.
It also explores the nature and continuum of Life. There is no beginning to the story. There is no end either. There are simply experiences. Of hopelessness. Of fear. Of insolvency. Of pennilessness. And also of faith, patience, love,
companionship, abundance and soul. Of integrity and of leading a principled Life, despite temptations to take the ‘easy way’ out of painful or messy situations.
This book has been written to share how AVIS and his family have learned to be happy despite their circumstances. You too can benefit from their learning, and experience, and discover the right way of thinking, living, working and winning in Life – for yourself!
It also explores the nature and continuum of Life. There is no beginning to the story. There is no end either. There are simply experiences. Of hopelessness. Of fear. Of insolvency. Of pennilessness. And also of faith, patience, love,
companionship, abundance and soul. Of integrity and of leading a principled Life, despite temptations to take the ‘easy way’ out of painful or messy situations.
This book has been written to share how AVIS and his family have learned to be happy despite their circumstances. You too can benefit from their learning, and experience, and discover the right way of thinking, living, working and winning in Life – for yourself!
324 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 25, 2014
2 people are currently reading
70 people want to read
About the author
AVIS Viswanathan
1 book11 followersAVIS is one of the two happynesswalas™. His soulmate Vaani is the other one. Vaani and AVIS believe that their Life’s purpose is Inspiring ‘Happyness’™!
They are:
· Expert writers and biographers.
· Accomplished speakers and conversationalists.
· Culture specialists.
They distill lessons on Life, Happiness, leadership and purpose from human stories, from the lived experiences of the people around us.
AVIS is the author of 'Fall Like A Rose Petal' and its Tamil translation, 'Uthirum Roja Ithazh Pola'.
They are:
· Expert writers and biographers.
· Accomplished speakers and conversationalists.
· Culture specialists.
They distill lessons on Life, Happiness, leadership and purpose from human stories, from the lived experiences of the people around us.
AVIS is the author of 'Fall Like A Rose Petal' and its Tamil translation, 'Uthirum Roja Ithazh Pola'.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
November 16, 2014
Drawn from the author’s personal experience this book is interesting and at the same time touching. The content in the form of letters from a father i.e AVIS to his children Aashirwad and Aanchal are a set of confessions that deal with the raw facts of life especially situations one faces when bankrupt. Though one would expect to see AVIS moaning his condition in the face of abject penury and bankruptcy, it is refreshing to note that there is not even a single instant where he does so. Instead we find him looking at the sunny side of things. There are no harsh words for his creditors be they the local goon or a friend who has set a pack of henchmen on him to extract his debt . There is also no bitterness for the employees who ditched him one fine morning to join his competitor firm or the friends/ acquaintances who failed to help out in trying times. If there is anything here in the pages of the book then it is just love for those who have helped him along the way, forgiveness for those who ditched him when the going was tough and respect for those who stood and still stand by him.
Inspite of being a compilation of letters addressed by the author to his children, ‘Fall like a rose petal’ is an eye-opener, an inspiration or I must say a source of courage to all be it the ordinary man leading a normal life or one who is experiencing end- of- the road situation. This book also inspires one to see the sunny side of things and events however bad/ trying they may be and never lose hope. Above all the book teaches us to live with our problems, draw strength from them, learn our lessons and try and rise likes the phoenix.
Each word, each sentence comes straight from the author’s heart and hence establishes a direct connect with the reader. But does the author preach? No, in fact here he lays bare his failures, the mess his life is on account of some wrong decisions and how he has managed to keep float. One must remember that it requires a lot of courage to accept ones failures and speak about them in public. AVIS has proved through the pages of this book that he is a man of grit and determination. The author does not seek the reader’s sympathy but instead seeks their understanding and tries to impart some valuable lessons on survival.
In short ‘Fall like a rose petal’ takes us on a journey through the dark alleys of despair & hopelessness and slowly but steadily guides us towards light. This is a book on self-awareness, soul searching and survival. But what really touched a cord within me is the author referring to his 179 creditors as angels inspite of the fact that some of them have bullied him and his wife so much so that their very life was in jeopardy. Only a big heart can do so.
Read my full review @ http://geetaavij.wordpress.com/2014/1...
Inspite of being a compilation of letters addressed by the author to his children, ‘Fall like a rose petal’ is an eye-opener, an inspiration or I must say a source of courage to all be it the ordinary man leading a normal life or one who is experiencing end- of- the road situation. This book also inspires one to see the sunny side of things and events however bad/ trying they may be and never lose hope. Above all the book teaches us to live with our problems, draw strength from them, learn our lessons and try and rise likes the phoenix.
Each word, each sentence comes straight from the author’s heart and hence establishes a direct connect with the reader. But does the author preach? No, in fact here he lays bare his failures, the mess his life is on account of some wrong decisions and how he has managed to keep float. One must remember that it requires a lot of courage to accept ones failures and speak about them in public. AVIS has proved through the pages of this book that he is a man of grit and determination. The author does not seek the reader’s sympathy but instead seeks their understanding and tries to impart some valuable lessons on survival.
In short ‘Fall like a rose petal’ takes us on a journey through the dark alleys of despair & hopelessness and slowly but steadily guides us towards light. This is a book on self-awareness, soul searching and survival. But what really touched a cord within me is the author referring to his 179 creditors as angels inspite of the fact that some of them have bullied him and his wife so much so that their very life was in jeopardy. Only a big heart can do so.
Read my full review @ http://geetaavij.wordpress.com/2014/1...
November 14, 2014
After a long time I have got a chance to review the book on self-help. This book of AVIS is an incredible journey of a family, how to survive at the time of penury, bankruptcy and a constant nagging from creditors. Avis Viswanathan a life coach and inspirational speaker who provides coaching to top entrepreneurs, who himself is the victim of penniless, but the author inspires the readers through this book that even in this situation also, never underestimate your willpower, have trust in a God, everything will be alright.
What started as a diary by Avis to his children Aashirwad and Aanchal is now what we have got as a Fall like a rose petal. It’s a series of letters from dad to their children about challenges he has faced everyday. Friends become foe when author was unable to return his money, a court notice from creditors, loan from mafia and confession to mafia about his situation. Friends also helped them when car was impounded by the bank; one friend paid the fees of his son who was studying abroad.
Seriously, it requires tremendous guts to confess by writing a book about ‘penury’, clash between Avis and her mother, taunting words from his brother and sister. This is one of the best inspirational books; giving only one incident from the book i.e. the author survived with only meagre cash of Rs 500. Also at the time of adversity God has always rescued them from devastating circumstance (miracles do happen).
One of the best thing which I liked about the book where author has acknowledge the 179 creditors, to whom author has described as an Angels who has helped to survive and find meaning of life and awaken his spiritual journey.
What started as a diary by Avis to his children Aashirwad and Aanchal is now what we have got as a Fall like a rose petal. It’s a series of letters from dad to their children about challenges he has faced everyday. Friends become foe when author was unable to return his money, a court notice from creditors, loan from mafia and confession to mafia about his situation. Friends also helped them when car was impounded by the bank; one friend paid the fees of his son who was studying abroad.
Seriously, it requires tremendous guts to confess by writing a book about ‘penury’, clash between Avis and her mother, taunting words from his brother and sister. This is one of the best inspirational books; giving only one incident from the book i.e. the author survived with only meagre cash of Rs 500. Also at the time of adversity God has always rescued them from devastating circumstance (miracles do happen).
One of the best thing which I liked about the book where author has acknowledge the 179 creditors, to whom author has described as an Angels who has helped to survive and find meaning of life and awaken his spiritual journey.
January 13, 2015
Though we come across/read many books only a few will stay remembered. Recently, I came across Mr. AVIS’s book ‘FALL LIKE A ROSE PETAL’.
On reading any motivational book, most of the times when you complete the book two things come to mind (1. Is there anything that we don’t know, Of course though we know many things applying is not a question here 2. Most of them are only theories).
But Mr. AVIS’s attempt to share his own life experience is very respectful. The way the book was written is very excellent and helps to view things from an emotional perspective. One of my friend, used to say always, ‘Life is not meant to be easy, but it doesn’t mean that we can’t take pleasure in everything we do’. Mr. AVIS has proved with his own experience that ‘Happiness is taking the Life journey not reaching the destination’.
This book covers all aspects of the life like Entrepreneurship, Love, Marriage life, Parenting & Leadership and (Peace in Life). It’s like reading THE INSTANT MILLIONAIRE, THE SECRET, LEADERSHIP, THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS (movie & book),THE FIFTY-50 MARRIAGE books all at once. This book has something for everybody to take/learn to and benefit from.
One thing I realized from this book is, ‘we can do very little/none out of the flow that life has designed for us’. The fact that today’s human race fails to accept things and move on is something we can learn and correct from Mr. AVIS.
‘Fall like a rose petal’ a definite book in anyone’s shelf to really try to understand who we are. Thanks to Mr. AVIS & Mrs. AVIS for sharing their experience and to make an attempt for others to see the best things in life always.
On reading any motivational book, most of the times when you complete the book two things come to mind (1. Is there anything that we don’t know, Of course though we know many things applying is not a question here 2. Most of them are only theories).
But Mr. AVIS’s attempt to share his own life experience is very respectful. The way the book was written is very excellent and helps to view things from an emotional perspective. One of my friend, used to say always, ‘Life is not meant to be easy, but it doesn’t mean that we can’t take pleasure in everything we do’. Mr. AVIS has proved with his own experience that ‘Happiness is taking the Life journey not reaching the destination’.
This book covers all aspects of the life like Entrepreneurship, Love, Marriage life, Parenting & Leadership and (Peace in Life). It’s like reading THE INSTANT MILLIONAIRE, THE SECRET, LEADERSHIP, THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS (movie & book),THE FIFTY-50 MARRIAGE books all at once. This book has something for everybody to take/learn to and benefit from.
One thing I realized from this book is, ‘we can do very little/none out of the flow that life has designed for us’. The fact that today’s human race fails to accept things and move on is something we can learn and correct from Mr. AVIS.
‘Fall like a rose petal’ a definite book in anyone’s shelf to really try to understand who we are. Thanks to Mr. AVIS & Mrs. AVIS for sharing their experience and to make an attempt for others to see the best things in life always.
December 3, 2014
It is not an easy task to inspire, especially through a book.
But if the inspiration comes through a personal experience, of failing - learning and realizing some universal philosophies of life? Yes …. that's exactly what grabbed my attention.
Often we see such books being categorized as non-fiction (read non-interesting) and appealing only to a certain group of people (read matured or may be boring people). I do consider that I am turning out to be one of that group of people who has a particular affinity to read non-fiction (need not be boring and too philosophical). But a slice of life story , simplicity , honesty in story-telling always attracts me. Far more than an imaginative make-believe fantasy world.
Read the full review: http://www.writersmelon.com/2014/11/b...
But if the inspiration comes through a personal experience, of failing - learning and realizing some universal philosophies of life? Yes …. that's exactly what grabbed my attention.
Often we see such books being categorized as non-fiction (read non-interesting) and appealing only to a certain group of people (read matured or may be boring people). I do consider that I am turning out to be one of that group of people who has a particular affinity to read non-fiction (need not be boring and too philosophical). But a slice of life story , simplicity , honesty in story-telling always attracts me. Far more than an imaginative make-believe fantasy world.
Read the full review: http://www.writersmelon.com/2014/11/b...
November 18, 2014
My first self-help book and I had a pleasant surprise awaiting. I got to know all self-help book aren't philosophical mumble jumble. Some do have a story to tell. 'Fall like a rose PETAL' surely has. A 290 page self-help book which isn't a pain in there. The old philosophies subtly thrown at you in a pace you can absorb, understand and interpret them. The author, AVIS Vishwanathan, definitely won the war.
For full review look up here:
http://itsmenivedita.blogspot.in/2014...
For full review look up here:
http://itsmenivedita.blogspot.in/2014...
August 26, 2014
Possibly one of the best books I've read so far.
It is life-changing and every chapter makes you think.
I couldn't put the book down and ended up reading it till 2 am which normally happens with a gripping fiction novel.
It is life-changing and every chapter makes you think.
I couldn't put the book down and ended up reading it till 2 am which normally happens with a gripping fiction novel.
November 20, 2014
The best part of the book is it doesn't preach, instead it tells what actually happened and a probable reason behind every happening. It's not philosophy but the reality of life. You get the essence of the chapter with its title itself.
October 19, 2020
Fall like a rose petal, what a catchy title. I really wanted to like this book. As an entrepreneur myself who in the years after the recession of 2008-09, had gone through a few years of handling bank debts, the story of an entrepreneur who was battling on business debt attracted me. When we read in the media about the huge start up successes, we never get to see the hundreds of failures and closures for each success. We glamorize running a business, but nothing can be harder than to run a small business in India (I have written a detailed post on this subject). An appreciation is due to the author for opening up about the toughest chapters of his life & sharing it in the public, it requires a lot of courage and conviction.
The style of the book impressed me, it was in the form of letters from a father to his son and daughter about how he and their mom handled the tough years. The couple were in the business of strategic reputation consulting and training, things were going well and they had the big brands in India as their clients. Hoping to capitalise, they went big, expanded their business beyond their means, then suddenly their biggest client gave them an ultimatum. To keep the business afloat, they started borrowing from banks, clients, friends, family and even from moneylenders. This meant they lost the support system that we have around us to get through our dark times.
Having gone bankrupt, meeting monthly family expenses itself turned a struggle. They had seen personal humiliation, got dragged to police station, threatened by goons, being penniless for months and being viewed as cheats by their own parents & siblings.
The random chronology of the letters made the initial chapters quite engaging. But soon the writing became tiring and confusing; Are the couple doing well? Was the worst over? I was unable to follow the story and the events. The letters became longer, for example Chapter 10 was over fifty pages long, losing my attention in the midway. Even as I was nearing the end of the book, I was not clear on what led them to their current financial state? How are they managing to keep afloat? The author keeps raising these questions, but doesn’t provide answers directly, instead he writes in a convoluted way of being helped by karma, the universe paying back, kindness around us, prayers and so on. To me, an entrepreneurship book feels out of place for personal beliefs.
As the book progressed, I was jumping between the lines and paragraphs as the prose became repetitive and preachy (which I hate) and I could not wait to put it down. Had the text been tightened, the fluff, dramatics & the theatre removed, the story told in plain words, the book could have turned out to be a good read. As it is, I am unable to find it worthy of a recommendation.
The style of the book impressed me, it was in the form of letters from a father to his son and daughter about how he and their mom handled the tough years. The couple were in the business of strategic reputation consulting and training, things were going well and they had the big brands in India as their clients. Hoping to capitalise, they went big, expanded their business beyond their means, then suddenly their biggest client gave them an ultimatum. To keep the business afloat, they started borrowing from banks, clients, friends, family and even from moneylenders. This meant they lost the support system that we have around us to get through our dark times.
Having gone bankrupt, meeting monthly family expenses itself turned a struggle. They had seen personal humiliation, got dragged to police station, threatened by goons, being penniless for months and being viewed as cheats by their own parents & siblings.
The random chronology of the letters made the initial chapters quite engaging. But soon the writing became tiring and confusing; Are the couple doing well? Was the worst over? I was unable to follow the story and the events. The letters became longer, for example Chapter 10 was over fifty pages long, losing my attention in the midway. Even as I was nearing the end of the book, I was not clear on what led them to their current financial state? How are they managing to keep afloat? The author keeps raising these questions, but doesn’t provide answers directly, instead he writes in a convoluted way of being helped by karma, the universe paying back, kindness around us, prayers and so on. To me, an entrepreneurship book feels out of place for personal beliefs.
As the book progressed, I was jumping between the lines and paragraphs as the prose became repetitive and preachy (which I hate) and I could not wait to put it down. Had the text been tightened, the fluff, dramatics & the theatre removed, the story told in plain words, the book could have turned out to be a good read. As it is, I am unable to find it worthy of a recommendation.
November 29, 2018
I’m not a huge fan of self help books, but there is definitely something intriguing about this book.
I think, Avis @thehappynesswala being very honest and matter of fact about the entire situation on how to live life when you have lost everything and have nothing more to lose, is what made me flip the pages.
This is no work of fiction. These are letters written by a father to his children, briefing them on the happenings in his life ( the family included) during his times of bankruptcy & penury , and how he found to will to face it all.
Starting from pressures on the domestic front, work front, threatening creditors, to facing legal action, he very calmly handled every adversity.
He very tactfully yet subtly conveys a strong message -being bankrupt doesn’t mean you have hit a cul-de-sac. It doesn’t give you the right to end your life.
All you need is patience, belief and a strong will to over come it.
His biggest support system was his wife Vani.
** There were many instances where I beg to differ with his viewpoint.
What worked for him may not work for many.
Thankfully he does not preach.
A lovely book which conveys a beautiful meaning
- ‘ LIFE FINDS A WAY’. .
I think, Avis @thehappynesswala being very honest and matter of fact about the entire situation on how to live life when you have lost everything and have nothing more to lose, is what made me flip the pages.
This is no work of fiction. These are letters written by a father to his children, briefing them on the happenings in his life ( the family included) during his times of bankruptcy & penury , and how he found to will to face it all.
Starting from pressures on the domestic front, work front, threatening creditors, to facing legal action, he very calmly handled every adversity.
He very tactfully yet subtly conveys a strong message -being bankrupt doesn’t mean you have hit a cul-de-sac. It doesn’t give you the right to end your life.
All you need is patience, belief and a strong will to over come it.
His biggest support system was his wife Vani.
** There were many instances where I beg to differ with his viewpoint.
What worked for him may not work for many.
Thankfully he does not preach.
A lovely book which conveys a beautiful meaning
- ‘ LIFE FINDS A WAY’. .
December 4, 2017
I purchased this book when I could not attend a talk by the author AVIS Viswanathan and found the book extremely interesting read (the font size enhanced the readability). The way AVIS Viswanathan approached the innumerable experiences of adversity in the wake of bankruptcy of his firm is something unique. I would prescribe this book to anyone contemplating any extreme measures due to their failed enterprises.
November 21, 2021
I really love this book. Personally, I don't like self help books at all but this one I found it something different. It is like a journal and I love the way it's written and how the author wrote everything in such a brief but in a precise way.
This book is a lesson to us. I got to learn many things from it. I hope it will help me in the journey of my life....
This book is a lesson to us. I got to learn many things from it. I hope it will help me in the journey of my life....
January 16, 2019
Inspirational stories from the life of the author in the form of letters to his children. Helpful in countries where monumental debt is difficult to remove and credit is much more liquid than in areas where credit cards and bankruptcy are not such a shame or fearful experience.
December 25, 2015
The familiarity the author has managed to create with the audience. After a few pages, you too feel family and it seems like a live conversation full of real life wisdom. There are references to many inspirational quotes; I’m sure not only the author’s children, but anybody who reads will benefit.
For complete review, visit my blog http://shaivikafunda.blogspot.in/2014...
For complete review, visit my blog http://shaivikafunda.blogspot.in/2014...
July 23, 2019
A good reminder of the life lessons that we all know but easily forget. The Afterword is well articulated too. Easy and mostly engripping read.
March 8, 2016
Honest! Simple philosophy... Engaging.. Especially liked the last part where he's tried to summarize everything pretty nicely.
January 20, 2017
Thought provoking Life lessons! wonderful read. Thank you AVIS !
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews