📖 Map of a Mad Heart by ✍️ Dr. Raghava Pendyala

Some books tell you a story.

Some books make you look back at your own.

"Map of a Mad Heart: Revisiting Some Chambers Relishing Life-Time Lessons" by Dr. Raghava Pendyala felt like the second kind to me.

What I liked most about this memoir is that it doesn't try to make life look perfectly planned. Instead, it takes us through the messy, awkward, funny, painful and unexpectedly beautiful moments that shape a person.

From childhood memories and schoolyard cricket in Hyderabad to the pressure of competitive education, family expectations, love, heartbreak, failures and questions of identity, Dr. Raghava Pendyala revisits 76 different "destinations" from his life, and each one seems to leave behind a small lesson. And these lessons aren't always grand or philosophical.Sometimes, it's about finding happiness in something as simple as a glass of milk after a tiring journey. Sometimes, it's about failing, picking yourself up and trying again.

Sometimes, it's about understanding that certain heartbreaks don't necessarily break you; they change the way you understand yourself.

I also enjoyed how the book moves between humour and vulnerability. There are moments that feel light and nostalgic, followed by moments that make you pause and think about the choices we make, the expectations we carry and the people we become while trying to fulfil them.

What stayed with me, though, is the idea that life rarely follows the map we create for it.We grow up thinking we need to have everything figured out, the right education, the right career, the right relationships, the right version of ourselves.But somewhere along the way, life adds its own turns.

Some are beautiful. Some are painful. Some completely change the direction. And perhaps growing up is not about avoiding those detours, but learning how to live with them.

There is also a spiritual dimension to the memoir, with reflections drawn from ancient scriptures, but what I appreciated is that the book ultimately comes back to something very human — resilience, acceptance, purpose and the courage to live life on your own terms.

"Map of a Mad Heart" isn't a memoir about having a perfect life. It's about looking back at the imperfect one you actually lived and finding meaning in its different chapters.And maybe that's why the title works so well. Because every heart has its own map; filled with places we remember, places we'd rather forget, people who changed us, mistakes that taught us something, and moments that quietly made us who we are.

Sometimes, revisiting those places is how we finally understand the journey.

📖 Map of a Mad Heart

✍️ Dr. Raghava Pendyala

Dr. Raghava Pendyala is a Consultant Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon who comes with an experience of treating more than 6,500 patients with a professional experience of 8+ years. Currently he is consulting at AIG Hospitals in Hyderabad, India. His work is guided by the principle of 'primum non nocere'-first, do no harm. Outside of the clinic, he finds inspiration in the rhythms of nature, translating his observations into lessons for life, music, and art.

He is a passionate traveler, a budding Carnatic vocalist, and a guitar learner. As a wildlife photography enthusiast, he loves to share his craft and philosophy with postgraduate students at a private dental school. He also writes occasional blogs on 'prakruteh svarah' (voice of nature) and curate self-help content for ‘groom.your.mind' on Instagram. Rooted in a family of intellectuals, writers, and singers, he has always gravitated toward storytelling-whether through youthful poetry and love letters or in the honest pages of his memoir. Married since 2014 and the proud father of a five-year-old daughter, he approaches every chapter in life with curiosity and gratitude. He continues to seek meaning through books on Indian history and Vedic literature, valuing rational inquiry above dogma. You can find him on Instagram (@raghavapendyala).

• ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0G4D1BY6K
• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Notion Press
• Publication date ‏ : ‎ 28 November 2025
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Print length ‏ : ‎ 196 pages
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8900549996

CLICK HERE TO GET THE BOOK

✨ Book Review | I AM OMNIST by Devashi Dev ✨

What if the truth we have been searching for was never meant to belong to just one religion, one philosophy, or one way of seeing the world?

I AM OMNIST is the kind of book that doesn’t simply tell you a story;it makes you pause and look inward.

Blending science fiction, spirituality, philosophy, and metaphysical ideas, Devashi Dev takes us on a fascinating journey through some of the biggest questions of existence. What is consciousness? What happens beyond life and death? Is reality really what we perceive it to be? And somewhere beyond all our beliefs and definitions… what truly connects us to the universe?

What I particularly loved about this book is that it doesn't try to hand us a single, absolute answer. Instead, it encourages us to question, contemplate, and explore.

The idea that every religion, every philosophy, and perhaps even science, may hold a small piece of a much larger truth is deeply intriguing. It creates a beautiful sense of interconnectedness—where spirituality doesn't necessarily stand opposite to science, but perhaps walks alongside it, asking the same questions in a different language.
There is something almost meditative about the experience of reading this book. It makes you step away from the noise of everyday life and wonder about things we usually take for granted—time, consciousness, existence, death, reality, and our place in this enormous universe.

And perhaps that is what makes I AM OMNIST interesting.

It doesn't ask you to believe.
It asks you to wonder.

If you enjoy philosophical fiction, spiritual explorations, science fiction, or books that make you stare at the ceiling long after you've finished a chapter, this might be a journey worth taking.

Because sometimes, finding ourselves begins with questioning everything we thought we knew about existence.

⭐ My Rating: 4.9/5

CLICK HERE TO GET BOOK

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• Publisher ‏ : StoryMirror Infotech Pvt.Ltd
• Publication date ‏ : ‎ 17 July 2026
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Print length ‏ : ‎ 164 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 9360700495
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-9360700492
• Reading age ‏ : ‎ 15 years and up

The Time Traveller Who Could Not Get Laid by Abhishek Tripathi

What if you could travel back in time to prove that the past was actually better?

Navi is twenty, a virgin, insecure, and convinced that the world has somehow cheated him out of the life he deserves. He has built his idea of masculinity from internet opinions, borrowed confidence, and the belief that men in the “good old days” somehow had it all figured out.

Then comes Mira; with an ancient amulet and the ability to send Navi through time.

And honestly, that is where things get interesting.

Navi travels through four very different historical worlds: medieval India, 1983 New York, 1970s Goa, and 1960s Kenya, expecting to find the simpler, more “masculine” world he has been told about.

Instead, he finds reality.

He meets women whose lives challenge everything he thought he knew about the past. He encounters inequality, restrictions, violence, loneliness, and complicated human relationships. Slowly, the romanticised version of history begins to fall apart.

But what I enjoyed most about The Time Traveller Who Could Not Get Laid is that beneath the humour and absurdity, this is really a story about growing up.

It questions the kind of masculinity young men can absorb from the internet without ever stopping to ask whether it actually makes them happier, kinder, or more confident. Navi's journey isn't simply about finding love or losing his virginity. It is about unlearning the stories he has been telling himself about women, relationships, masculinity, and ultimately, himself.

The time-travel element gives the story a fun and unusual framework, while Navi's personal journey gives it emotional depth. There are moments that are ridiculous, moments that are uncomfortable, and moments that genuinely make you pause and rethink the assumptions we carry about the past.

And perhaps that is the biggest takeaway from the book:

Sometimes, the world hasn't failed us. Sometimes, we are simply holding on to the wrong idea of what we deserve.

Funny, thought-provoking, and surprisingly introspective, The Time Traveller Who Could Not Get Laid is much more than what its cheeky title suggests.

It is a coming-of-age story about a young man travelling through history—only to realise that the person he really needed to confront was himself.

📖 Would I recommend it?

Yes, especially if you enjoy stories that use humour to explore uncomfortable questions about identity, relationships, masculinity, and growing up.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE BOOK

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Complex Plane
• Publication date ‏ : ‎ 6 June 2026
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Print length ‏ : ‎ 282 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1067691006
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1067691004

📖 No One But You ✍️ Vrinda Garg

Some stories are about finding love. Some are about finding yourself. No One But You is about both. ❤️📖

Khwaab has everything that, from the outside, should make her happy; wealth, comfort, relationships, and a life many would dream of. Yet, somehow, she feels like a stranger in her own story.
And that feeling makes her question everything.
At the heart of No One But You by Vrinda Garg is Khwaab's journey of figuring out who she really is beneath all the expectations placed upon her.

Then there is Reyaan, the friend who sees through her chaos and understands the person she could become. And Kabir, someone with whom she doesn't have to change or explain herself. Caught between being challenged to grow and being accepted as she is, Khwaab finds herself making choices that slowly change everything around her.

What I particularly liked about this story is how it explores a very relatable question:
Are we choosing the life we want, or simply the life everyone expects us to live?

The book beautifully touches upon love, belonging, complicated relationships, societal expectations, healing, and most importantly, self-acceptance.
It's not just about choosing between two people. It's about choosing between two versions of yourself: the one that feels comfortable and the one that asks you to grow.

The writing feels tender and emotionally driven, making Khwaab's confusion and struggles easy to connect with. Her journey isn't about suddenly finding all the answers. It's about slowly understanding that sometimes, before we can truly belong somewhere or with someone, we need to learn how to belong to ourselves.
And perhaps that's what makes the title No One But You so meaningful.

Because sometimes the person standing between you and the life you want... is no one but you.
If you enjoy contemporary fiction with romance, emotional conflicts, complicated relationships, and a strong journey of self-discovery, this one might be worth adding to your TBR. ✨

CLICK HERE TO GET THE BOOK

📖 No One But You
✍️ Vrinda Garg 

Vrinda Garg began writing while trying to understand herself. Like many teenagers, she struggled with identity, emotions, and the feeling of wanting to belong, experiences that continue to shape her stories today. A hopeless romantic and a constant dreamer, she writes about love, healing, and human connection, themes deeply reflected in her second novel, No One But You. During creative blocks, you’ll probably find her in a quiet café, flowers on the table beside her, waiting for inspiration to return.

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Om Books International
• Publication date ‏ : ‎ 26 June 2026
• Print length ‏ : ‎ 284 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 9363950271
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-9363950276

Ho Jayega by Arup Nag

Some books teach you how to succeed at work. Others tell you how to become a better leader. Ho Jayega does something much more entertaining; it reminds you that most workplaces are held together by equal parts chaos, optimism, and pure luck.

Arup Nag takes readers through three decades of corporate life, and every story feels surprisingly familiar. Whether it's impossible deadlines, bizarre office politics, unforgettable colleagues, or the classic "ho jayega" attitude that somehow keeps everything moving, this book captures the madness of the Indian workplace with sharp observation and plenty of humour.

What I enjoyed most is that it never tries to preach. There are no motivational speeches or "10 steps to success." Instead, it simply tells honest, funny, and sometimes absurd stories that make you laugh because you've probably lived through something similar.

The writing is easy to read, the humour lands naturally, and beneath all the comedy is a reminder that careers rarely go according to plan, and that's perfectly okay.

If you've ever worked in an office, survived impossible deadlines, dealt with unforgettable bosses or colleagues, or smiled confidently while secretly wondering how things would get done, you'll find yourself in these pages.

A witty, relatable, and refreshingly honest read that proves sometimes the most accurate career advice is simply: "Ho jayega."

⭐ Rating: 4.8/5

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Clever Fox Publishing
• Publication date ‏ : ‎ 7 April 2026
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Print length ‏ : ‎ 228 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 9375002721
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-9375002727

CLICK HERE TO GET THE BOOK

Chanakya’s Compass by Bhargav Thacker: Ancient Wisdom for the Modern Journey

In a world driven by speed, constant change, and endless choices, finding a reliable framework for decision-making and personal growth has become increasingly valuable. While modern self-help literature often focuses on trends and quick solutions, some of the most enduring guidance continues to emerge from timeless philosophies. Chanakya’s Compass by Bhargav Thacker embraces this idea by bringing the teachings of one of India’s greatest thinkers into a contemporary setting.

Inspired by the wisdom of Chanakya, the renowned ancient philosopher, strategist, teacher, and political thinker, the book presents principles that remain remarkably relevant today. Rather than treating history as something distant or symbolic, Chanakya’s Compass explores how classical ideas can serve as practical tools for navigating everyday life.

What makes this book particularly approachable is its emphasis on application rather than theory. Bhargav Thacker does not position Chanakya’s teachings as abstract concepts meant only for scholars or history enthusiasts. Instead, the author interprets these principles through modern experiences, relatable examples, and thoughtful reflections that connect with present-day realities.

Structured across eighteen chapters, the book takes readers through different dimensions of self-development and purposeful living. It touches on areas that many people actively seek to improve — building intelligence, sharpening skills, developing leadership, strengthening discipline, and cultivating habits that support long-term growth. Rather than presenting success as a single destination, the book encourages readers to think of growth as an ongoing process shaped by choices, values, and consistent effort.

One of the most compelling aspects of Chanakya’s Compass is its balanced perspective on achievement. In an age where ambition is often celebrated without equal attention to ethics, the book highlights the importance of integrity, responsibility, and moral grounding. It suggests that personal and professional success become more meaningful when supported by character and principled action.

The book also extends beyond individual development into the realm of financial wisdom. Drawing inspiration from Chanakya’s ideas surrounding prosperity and governance, it discusses wealth not merely as accumulation but as something connected to discipline, responsibility, and long-term thinking. Readers are encouraged to pursue progress while maintaining ethical standards and considering the broader impact of their actions.

Another strength of the book lies in its accessibility. Philosophical works can sometimes feel dense or difficult to translate into everyday practice, but Chanakya’s Compass appears designed to welcome readers from varied backgrounds. Whether someone is a student preparing for future challenges, a professional navigating career decisions, an entrepreneur balancing growth and values, or simply a lifelong learner seeking perspective, the book aims to offer practical insights without becoming overly academic.

The inclusion of personal observations and lived experiences gives the work a grounded tone. These elements help bridge the distance between ancient teachings and contemporary concerns, showing that while circumstances evolve, many human questions remain surprisingly consistent across generations.

At its heart, Chanakya’s Compass serves as more than a reflection on philosophy—it presents itself as a guide for intentional living. It invites readers to reconsider how timeless principles can influence modern decisions, relationships, ambitions, and personal fulfillment.

For those interested in books that combine thoughtful reflection with practical takeaways, Chanakya’s Compass offers an opportunity to revisit ancient wisdom through a contemporary lens and discover ideas that continue to resonate in today’s world.

Find the book at: https://mybook.to/chanakyascompass

Paanch Kahon, নীলোৎপল মুখার্জী

🔍 পাঁচটা গল্প… কিন্তু প্রতিটা গল্প যেন আলাদা আলাদা অন্ধকার গলিপথ।

মানুষকে বাইরে থেকে যতটা সহজ লাগে, ভিতরে সে ততটাই রহস্যে ভরা — আর “পাঁচ কাহন” ঠিক সেই অদেখা দিকগুলোকেই সামনে এনে দাঁড় করায়।

📖 Paanch Kahon, নীলোৎপল মুখার্জীর লেখা এই গল্পসংকলনটা পড়তে গিয়ে বারবার মনে হয়েছে, রহস্য শুধু খুন বা অন্তর্ধানের মধ্যে সীমাবদ্ধ নয়… মানুষের মনও একটা বিশাল রহস্য।

বইটায় মোট পাঁচটা গল্প : অভিসারিকা, অন্তর্ধান, শিকার, কোচবিহার কাহিনী আর সেই জংলী লোকটা।

আর সত্যি বলতে, প্রতিটা গল্পের আলাদা একটা flavour আছে। কোথাও suspense ধীরে ধীরে build up হয়েছে, কোথাও আবার একটা অস্বস্তি চুপচাপ মনের ভিতর ঢুকে বসে থাকে।

✨ অভিসারিকা পড়তে পড়তে একটা অদ্ভুত psychological tension অনুভব করছিলাম।

🕯️ অন্তর্ধান গল্পটা যেন প্রশ্নের পর প্রশ্ন ছুঁড়ে দেয় — সব হারিয়ে যাওয়া জিনিস কি সত্যিই হারিয়ে যায়?

🐾 শিকার গল্পে মানুষের ভিতরের হিংস্রতাটাই বেশি চোখে পড়ে।

🏰 কোচবিহার কাহিনী আলাদা করে ভালো লেগেছে তার atmosphere আর রহস্য তৈরির জন্য।

🌿 আর সেই জংলী লোকটা… গল্পটা শেষ হওয়ার পরেও অনেকক্ষণ মাথায় ঘুরছিল।

এই বইটার সবচেয়ে ভালো দিক হলো; গল্পগুলো খুব cinematic ভাবে এগোয়। পড়তে পড়তে মনে হচ্ছিল যেন চোখের সামনে দৃশ্যগুলো তৈরি হচ্ছে। আর যেহেতু গল্পগুলোর inspiration বাস্তব জীবন থেকে নেওয়া, তাই ঘটনাগুলো আরও বেশি believable লাগে।

নীলোৎপল মুখার্জীর writing style খুব সহজ কিন্তু engaging। unnecessary complexity নেই, কিন্তু curiosity টা একবার তৈরি হলে শেষ না করে ওঠা কঠিন।

এই বইটা পড়ে একটা জিনিস খুব বুঝলাম , 

আমরা প্রতিদিন অসংখ্য মানুষের সাথে মিশি, কিন্তু কে আসলে কেমন, সেটা বোঝা সবচেয়ে কঠিন রহস্য।

যদি mystery, psychological thrill আর human emotion mix করা গল্প পড়তে ভালো লাগে, তাহলে পাঁচ কাহন তোমার জন্য একটা perfect pick হতে পারে। 📚✨