Heirs of Catriona - Anusha Subramanian

Author : Anusha Subramanian
Genre : Fiction
Rating : 4.5/5

About the Author:

Anusha Subramanian, at the age of 12 (yes just 12 and she got published), is India’s youngest published author and daughter of Ravi Subramanian, who authored best-selling corporate thrillers like ‘The Bankster’.

The Cover:
It says clearly that the story circles around two girls fighting their way in the Mythological magical realm.Apart from the two heroines the one character that got my attention was the  evil loki (The name is cute, Hahaha). Full of magic creatures the cover truly justifies the story.

The Story:
Being a mythological story, the story is about the deep rooted love for family, The story is somewhat like remains of Percy Jackson, Snowwhite and The Chronicles of Narnia. It comes very close to them but yet differs. A fantasy filled with humor, emotions, mythological villains and heroes. The whole book is about how the two teenagers, Sara and Crystal, who are best friends, ordinary college going girls living as orphans. One fine day come to know from an old man that they are the princesses and rightful heir of the magical land of ‘Catriona’ and that their mothers Anastasia and Olivia are alive but, held prisoner under the spells of Merissa, an evil witch queen.Sara and Crystal go on a quest to find a moon-wand to defeat ‘Merissa’ and the evils sent by her like ‘Loki’ to free their mothers.

Review:
Personally, I find the book mediocre but Anusha has done a great job of imagining, writing a 190 page story and getting it published, considering her age.For kids it is treat to read because the fictional characters and simple language of book are capable of creating whole new world.But if you're going to read it keeping those heavy words and lovey dovey stuff expectation aside, I bet you too will certainly love it.I thoroughly enjoyed the read and I swear the next part is much awaited.

I would like to thank Yatin gupta and Ravi Subramanian for providing me the opportunity to read this novel.

Book Source : Author
Publisher : Rupa Publications
Genre : Young Adult Fiction
Pages : 190

Let there be a reality check once in a while

I’m responsible for everything that happens in my life; Either good or bad; Either success or failure; Either enjoyment or sadness; I’m the only person who is responsible for myself.Life is not only about having dreams and goals; But it is also about knowing one’s own capabilities and limitations. Ideally, one should dream and aim the near impossible. But practically, one should know his own limitations and strengths before aiming at anything. After all, limitations are not mistakes and strengths may not last longer. But the one thing that lives forever is one’s ability to understand his own capabilities before setting any goals for himself.

All is well..

Life is the most unpredictable thing. We never know what is going to happen next and still we rack our brains out worrying about it. We plan our future so much so that in the process we often compromise our present.

Life is beautiful..The Isle of dreams,of aspirations,of positivity,of negativity,of togetherness,of recluse,of happiness,of ironies...

That's Life! I live… will live…

Being a girl is the last thing you would want to be.

 Do you want to be girl? Like, Forever?

The answer to this statement being a ‘YES’ is as rare as a good hair day on your first date. Especially if you are an Indian. I have nothing against my country but when it comes to being born as a girl, India would be the last place I would like to be born into.

The only day you might have wanted to be girl would be when you accidentally went to an interview without fully buttoning your shirt and your man boobs just quite didn't impress the boss, or when you had to hand over your 'hard-earned' money to your sister on Rakshabandhan.

If you still say yes “I would gladly be a girl” answer me:

Do you want guys to look at your tits instead of your eyes and pinch your ass instead of shaking your hand?

Do you want to be offered a job because somewhere in the back of your boss’s mind he thinks that you might be very good in bed and he has a chance?

Do you want to be called a slut just because you wear revealing clothes?

Do you want to be raped and then hear it was your fault because you were wearing a mini skirt?

Do you want to see your brother attend all night parties but not going yourself because, well you are a girl?

Do you want to reconsider your option of wearing white according to the weather?

Do you want to be stared at when you walk into a room where people are telling a dirty joke and they awkwardly stop midway at seeing you?

Do you want to wait an hour to find a decent washroom on a road trip?

Do you want to be paid less for an equal amount of work that a male colleague does?

Do you want to writhe in pain bleeding every month?

Do you want your parents to fuss over wherever you go, because they think everyone is going to rape you?

Do you want every guy commenting ‘hot’ on your Facebook picture just because it has a slight glimpse of your bra strap?

Yes I thought so too. You don’t have to worry about permissions when leaving the house. You don’t have to worry about any pain or bleeding when losing virginity. You don’t think twice before introducing your girlfriend to your family. You don’t need to act dumb to make a girl notice you. You don’t have to worry about your underwear glimpsing while doing weights in the gym. Unlike a girl, you just have to have sex to have a baby.

You don’t get people lecturing you about problems in future pregnancy if you smoke or drink.You get labelled with tag 'STUD' when you sleep around with numerous girls and nobody gives a shit to it later.The girl’s parents do not assume the fact that you are a Sanjeev Kapoor when you marry. Your name and your parents live with you forever.(or till when you want). You do not have to bear with the pain of hot wax (especially nowhere near your private area.) You do not have to worry about making crotch adjustments in public. And this is a list when we are talking about a girl who is born in a middle class family who have somehow managed to break free of the clutches of ancient practices of not educating the girl child.

Being a girl is very difficult. But its not like we had a choice. The very least that you can do is respect us.

Note to self

Believe in God. Believe in his timings. Because- when you lose a good thing, something better comes!It won't be easy, but it'll be worth it.You gotta hold your head up high, Have faith in yourself, Be strong.They say that good things take time.. But really great things happen in the blink of an eye.
I tend to say "I don't know" when I don't feel like thinking. I am good, but not an Angel. I sin, but I'm not the devil.And yes i was called a hypocrite too,especially when the moment came when i thought i almost stopped caring....what could be worst than this! sigh..time made us jerry while life is chasing like tom....
Here’s the thing. I think it’s best if I carry on from here by myself. You know, alone. –Marlin (Finding Nemo)