Anushka's Bookish Shenanigans

The Tycoon Thirteen Talks – 04

Interview with the Garrick Ollivander of India – Megha Thapa

Hello Megha! I’m so glad to be finally doing this. Thank you so much for agreeing to give me your time and answering my questions. Let’s just say that you are a powerhouse of talent and I couldn’t get enough of your work. I am honoured.

Let’s begin with the interview!

Q. Behind the Prodigy Wand Maker that lights up the Indian potter freaks by making the most priced goodie from the series accessible, who is Megha Thapa?
– AnM

Besides being a wandmaker, Megha Thapa is a daydreamer and a self-taught Photographer in the making from a small town called Kurseong, nestled in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal.
– Megha Thapa

Q. Most of the book bloggers know you as the Garrick Ollivander of India, but the more I tried to learn about you, the more I realised that wandmaker is just one of your many sides. Please tell us about all the other things that you are amazing at?
– AnM

Other than the wand making I’d say photography. I eat, sleep and dream photography and I have been taking photos since 2007 or even before. Mediums have changed however from a film camera dad bought to phones that belonged to my parents, to my own cellphone with a 3.2-megapixel rear camera, to my first DSLR after college but the hunger has only grown stronger!
– Megha Thapa

Q. Is creativity something that runs in your blood? Were you a child who was into crafts from the beginning of times? Maybe making cards for birthday presents and things like that?
– AnM

I guess, yes! Mum is quite the artist too if you ask me and dad too, every cousin I know of is also into something artsy, even my little sibling is into digital art. So, I guess creativity does run in the blood. When I think about the times when I was a child, the one thing I clearly remember is binge-watching M.A.D, Art attack and anything that was something along the lines of these shows. I also remember making cards for fathers day, mothers day, and every occasion there ever would be, Megha would always make cards! I still do !
– Megha Thapa

Q. When did you realize that making wands is your calling?
– AnM

The wand making, to be honest, started off in a peculiar way if I recall correctly, the need to own a wand eventually led me to creating one. Never in my wildest dreams did I think this was what I was going to do. It just took me one single post on Instagram, and I started to get DMs from people I’d known enquiring about if I was going to sell them. The first year was just word of mouth, 2018 was when I finally decided the wands needed a separate page, a leap in the dark is what I would want to call it, I started with zero goals and zero intentions about my work getting anywhere, but 3 years into it and here we are, talking about how we got there, and I am thankful and grateful to everyone who has been with me throughout this whole journey. Always kind, always supportive! Always hyping me up and not to forget the dm’s they leave. There isn’t a day where you guys don’t make me feel blessed and special! So a massive thank you to everyone! In short, the Potterheads made me!
– Megha Thapa

Q. What was the first wand you’ve ever made?
– AnM

The first wand I ever made was of Luna Lovegood, the only reason being Luna is one of my favourite characters!
– Megha Thapa

Q. Is there a favourite wand that you love making and will never get enough of?
– AnM

My favourite wand to make would be of Minerva Mc. Gonagalls. Also, I have been taking custom orders recently and I think they are another favourite! Each one has a different story from clients about why they want it the way they sketched it and i loveee the stories behind them!
– Megha Thapa

Let’s enlighten the new comers..

Q. To the people who are discovering you for the first time, what would you describe your business as?
– AnM

Everyone I have sent off wands to call me The Garric Ollivander of India and I think that would suffice ☺
– Megha Thapa

Q. What is the range of sizes your wands come in and how customizable are they?
– AnM

Each wand is 13 -15 inches long and customization wise, they are as customisable as the sketches you provide me with. In short, they are 100% customisable.
– Megha Thapa

Q. What is the price range? I understand that any handmade product is much more than just raw materials. So, considering this, how affordable are your products?
– AnM

I started making wands with the sole reason that I wanted one and the one’s that I did find online were a little too pricey, so I have ranged the wands I make keeping in mind that very idea. Popular character wands are priced in a way that anyone can buy it and even if you can’t at once, you can still save up and buy one 🙂 The one’s that are a little complicated to make however are priced a bit more.
– AnM

Q. What are the other products that you offer? Are there any upcoming releases that we could get a hint about? Pretty please?
– AnM

I have been thinking of adding a few new things but the Grim Mug with real tea leaves is a new addition.
– Megha Thapa

Q. A question that I love to ask every creative mastermind, what is the part of the process that you enjoy/cherish the most starting from acquiring the materials, to making the products and receiving them?
– AnM

The part I enjoy even more than the wand making process is when the wand reaches the wand bearers! A lot of effort goes into sculpting a wand. I do enjoy the making process just as much but to see everyone’s reactions when the package reaches them is what has kept me going. The fact that you guys actually write back to me and not just short notes but short letters about how much you love the wand is what urges me to do even better!
– Megha Thapa

Q. I absolutely loved the wand you made for Tbb box! Even though I couldn’t get a hand on the box myself, I have seen the reviews and pictures and I was mesmerized. How exciting was it to create for them?
– AnM

It was very exciting but also challenging for me to make such a huge order by myself since everything is made by hand and each wand has to be carved, sanded, painted and then sprayed with lacquer. It was quite the task! But I loved making each wand, I also didn’t know I was capable of that so it felt quite amazing and my little sister helped me with the painting too ☺! And yes not to forget the reviews and the letter TBB included with a special mention ! It was worth it 🙂
– Megha Thapa

I wanted to ask you a few things about your interests in photography!

Q. What does photography mean to you?
– AnM

The meaning of photography for me has changed over the years , it has changed from a hobby to a way of expression. For me it is the perfect blend of storytelling, creativity and art. Art that can bring about a change, shift your focus from the known to the unknown and it is also something that makes me happy. It’s my passion now!
– Megha Thapa

Q. Your pictures are beautiful! Do you look for something in particular when you are behind the lens?
– AnM

Not really I think I am still in the journey of finding that! But for now, anything that catches my eye is what my photos are about. BUT, I have currently ventured into wedding photography and I love it. The moments in between, the traditions, the moments of love I get to capture is a whole new experience. So let’s see where the wind takes me 🙂
– Megha Thapa

Q. Can you give some tips to budding photographers?
– AnM

Everyone keeps saying PRACTICE is key and I think I finally know what that mantra means now! To aspiring photographers, practice and always be open to learning more because there is so much to see and learn always !! And never compare your work with anyone elses!
– Megha Thapa

Q. What is the #theviewwithintheglasses? When did you first start it? How has the journey been?
– AnM

Anushka has done quite some research huh :p The #theviewintheglasses was something that came into existence out of the blue back in 2014! I was at the peak of experimenting with editing techniques you could say. It is basically an edit I make where images are placed inside glasses. Also, I think we did pretty good back then too, a few features in some e-magazines and a full feature in Inspiron India magazine was a little something that happened while I was at it :)
– Megha Thapa

#theviewwithintheglasses (Click on this to be re-directed to more amazing pictures of this kind)

Q. If anyone wants you to capture their moments, how can they contact you?
– AnM

My photography work can be found on my other Instagram handle @meghamax and @meghathapamangar (where I photograph weddings). So if anyone wants to capture their moments I am just a DM or email away!
– Megha Thapa

I think I’ve grilled you enough about your work now, let’s relax and just talk about you..

Q. What are all your favourite past times apart from making magic with the wands?
– AnM

When I’m not making wands, I like to watch movies, listen to music and do some heavy research about the genre of photography I am currently into with a cup of coffee on the side. In simpler words, I spend my time studying photography. Sounds boring? It really isnt!
– Megha Thapa

Q. Was Harry potter the first book that you’ve ever read? If yes, at what age did you read it? And if no, what was the first book you’ve ever read that you can remember?
– AnM

I think the first book I ever read was Barbie and it was a gift from my cousin I think I was 5 or 6.
– Megha Thapa

Q. Do you like travelling? What are the best places you’ve visited? What are the ones on your list that you’d like to visit?
– AnM

Yes! The best places so far would be Kolkata and Mumbai. Mumbai however, holds a special place in my heart because if I can recall it was the journey of me catching the photography bug. I think it was the trip to Mumbai back in 2007 where i caught it! And I haven’t travelled so much but given the chance to I would love to travel anywhere and everywhere!
– Megha Thapa

Q. What is your dream vacation?
– AnM

My dream vacation would be seeing the Northern lights.
– Megha Thapa

It’s time for the bookish rapid fire!
Favourite Genre?
Y/ A romance
Favourite book?
Fault in our stars, When we collided
Favourite Harry Potter character?
Mc.gonagall, Remus Lupin, Professor Snape and Luna
Which house do you belong to?
Ravenclaw
All-time favourite author?
John green

This or that?
Paperback or hardcover
Hardcover
Fiction or non-fiction
Fiction
Night owl or a morning lark
Night owl
Wand making or Photography
(if your life depended on this decision)
My life at the moment, to be honest, does run on this very sentence like I said, my venture was a leap in the dark, but after a few months it turned into something that ended up funding my photography dreams too wilder than a dream eh?
Landscape or portrait?
Portrait
Tea or coffee?
This is so hard! Can i choose both? But masala chai anyday everyday!

It feels so amazing to know so much about you apart from your already wonderful wand making skill. Thank you for doing this Megha.

To browse and order wands from Megha, check out her Instagram page: @wandsbymeghamax.

To have Megha shower you with her beautiful photography, reach out to her on her photography account: @meghathapamangar. Be sure to give a look to #theviewintheglasses by clicking on the text.

Don’t forget to check out her personal Ig: @meghamax

I hope you guys enjoyed this one. I’ll be back on the Thirteenth of next month with a brand new interview.

The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J Klune – 5/5

THE HOUSE IN THE CERULEAN SEA BY T.J KLUNE

Hate is loud, but I think you’ll learn it’s because it’s only a few people shouting, desperate to be heard. You might not ever be able to change their minds, but so long as your remember you’re not alone, you will overcome.
– T.J Klune

Specifics:

Book: The House in the Cerulean Sea

Author: T.J. Klune

Published: 7 Jan 2020

Genre: Fantasy Fiction, Contemporary fantasy, Fantasy comedy, Gay Fiction, Occult Fiction

LGBTQIA literature: Yaas!

Publisher: Macmillan Books

Pages: 384

My rating: 5/5

Blurb:

A magical island. A dangerous task. A burning secret.

Linus Baker leads a quiet, solitary life. At forty, he lives in a tiny house with a devious cat and his old records. As a Case Worker at the Department in Charge Of Magical Youth, he spends his days overseeing the well-being of children in government-sanctioned orphanages.

When Linus is unexpectedly summoned by Extremely Upper Management he’s given a curious and highly classified assignment: travel to Marsyas Island Orphanage, where six dangerous children reside: a gnome, a sprite, a wyvern, an unidentifiable green blob, a were-Pomeranian, and the Antichrist. Linus must set aside his fears and determine whether or not they’re likely to bring about the end of days.

But the children aren’t the only secret the island keeps. Their caretaker is the charming and enigmatic Arthur Parnassus, who will do anything to keep his wards safe. As Arthur and Linus grow closer, long-held secrets are exposed, and Linus must make a choice: destroy a home or watch the world burn.

An enchanting story, masterfully told, The House in the Cerulean Sea is about the profound experience of discovering an unlikely family in an unexpected place—and realizing that family is yours.

Change often starts with the smallest of whispers. Like-minded people building it up to a roar.
– T.J Klune

Review:

Have you ever wanted to read a book that makes your heart do all sorts of happy dances? A book that will make you want to leave this awful dustbin of a place and step into that beautiful, heart-warming world of fiction?

I am in awe and I am also on a mission. EVERYONE NEEDS TO READ THIS BOOK! I REPEAT! EVERYONE NEEDS TO READ THIS BOOK!

They say that we are all born innocent and it’s the prejudice in the world that shapes us into something not so nice. We all have good inside of us and it’s the notions that we grow up with, that hides it. The book opens our eyes to this truth, only that the author has done it in the most pleasant way possible.

The author, bless his miraculous soul for sharing his stories with us. The book made me so happy. I am so happy. The book gave me hope. Hope that the world can be a better place if we want it to be. It’ll be hard, yes, but it is not impossible.

If I have to listen to one song while reading the book which is a totally hypothetical situation becasue who can do that together, it would be “STRIP BY LITTLE MIX FT. SHARAYA J”. The lines… ‘Love who you wanna! Don’t give a damn its a man or a woman. Wanna talk about colour? It’s the skin that I’m in, yeah I get from my mama’ were reverberating through my head while I was reading the book.

The book showed that no matter how long it has been that you’ve been exposed to prejudice and how long it has been that you’ve grown around hatred and discrimination, if you are willing to change, you can. Also, no matter how much you hate someone because of the notion that others have instilled in you, give them a chance and you might just see something wonderful unfold.

The book is a breeze read and by breeze I mean fresh air kinda breeze which you pray never stops. I couldn’t put the book down. I didn’t want it to be over. Did I cry? Yes! But I always cry so don’t count that. Happy tears and the feeling of fullness in my heart continued throughout the read.

It is so unique and refreshing. It will bring out the good in you. I think I’ve used all the good adjectives that I know. But it deserves way more. I am gonna make an exception and go cheesy and say, ‘No combination of the 26 alphabets of the English language can explain how amazing the book is and how everyone should read it.’

For everything that the book opened up inside of me, I rate it 5/5 stars.

A home isn’t always the house we live in. It’s also the people we choose to surround ourselves with.
– T.J Klune

Spoiler alert:

I think if I get into talking about my favourite parts of the book, I’ll end up quoting the entire book so, I shall talk about the characters and what the kids taught me.

A special mention to the epilogue where a new kid named David is being brought into the house which is also going to see a grand wedding. I am so excited for the amazing lives that the people in story are gonna live.

I really wish the world could be changed bit by bit like it is in the book.

Your voice is a weapon. Never forget that.
– T.J Klune

Coming to the Characters and what they taught me:

Linus Baker: Our man is the reason why this book gave me hope. I didn’t hate him for his ways in the beginning because it’s probably the authors way of writing that made me believe that Linus isn’t what he’s thinking he is. And he obviously proves himself wrong. I love him so much. I love that he cares for everyone and I love that he means every word he says. I want a Linus Baker in my life.

Arthur Parnassus: The father who doesn’t need to birth kids to love them beyond eternity. Having had a terrible time growing up in the same house, he has taken it upon himself to spend his life making the growing years of kids like him as nurturing as he can. He is so giving and he is so thoughtful of everyone. Him being a phoenix has only made him more intriguing and lovable for me.

Lucy: The most innocent and pure little boy who has spent his life knowing more than he should at such a young age, Lucy showed me that no matter what your legacy is, no matter what people tell you that your born for, you can choose to live your life the way you want. There’s good inside of you and you don’t need to hide it because of someone else’s notion about you. I loved every thing that he says in the book. He’s hilarious and he knows it.

Talia: The beautiful garden gnome with a very white and dense beard who was over 263 years old but that only meant she had 237 years to gain maturity taught me how beauty never has any set standards. It doesn’t matter how fat or think you are, it doesn’t matter how your appearance is and that beauty is always what’s on the inside. She was so passionate about her gardening and she did everything that she did with utmost love and care.

Theodore: An endangered species who I believe unintentionally spits or sneezes out fire, Theodore is a Wyvern with a very long pair of wings that keep getting in his way. He’s clumsy just like me but he’s also very kind. He has a language of his own which is easy to pick up on if you spend a little time with him. He taught me how to find happiness and joy in the simplest of things in life.

Phee: The Sprite who is unlucky to have lost her parents but lucky to have found Zoe to teach her more about her kind and her powers, Phee was everyone’s best friend. She learns to grow beautiful flowers and shows us that there’s kindness and love hidden in everyone and it only takes the right amount of care and affection to uncover it.

Sal: The tallest of the lot who is a Ware-wolf kind of a creature that turns into a fluffy 5-pound Pomeranian when he’s scared has been through a lot. With the help of Arthur and the other kids, he’s managed to live in this house for the longest and he has only started to open up. He has a knack for poetry and he’s very attached to Theodore of all. Sal taught me that with the right amount of love and effort, you can heal your heart, no matter how broken it is.

Chauncey: Our very own future bellhop, a creature that is probably a hybrid jelly fish is the cutest of its kind with manners like no other. He is always thinking and wanting to learn more about how he could be a better bellhop once he grows up. He taught me about how persistence and determination in your dream will make sure you get closer to making it happen.

Zoe: The Island sprite who has chosen to open up her land to the kids and Arthur is the reason why they have a home in the first place. She’s done everything to keep the kids safe and also takes time out to cook for them. She personally teaches Phee to love herself and to master her powers.

Helen: The Mayor, I guess who proved that it’s better late than never and tries to make things as normal as possible for the kids. She paves the way for people to become more open minded and she’s also a multi tasker and I love her.

We should always make time for the things we like. If we don’t, we might forget how to be happy.
– T.J Klune

What I liked about it:

1. The book has given me hope
2. The book has made me happy
3. LGBTQIA literature
4. All age groups can/need to read/listen to this story
5. This is the kind of story that the kids need to listen to growing up
6. Heart-warming and beautiful
7. 384 pages of absolute beauty

Sometimes our prejudices color our thoughts when we least expect them to. If we can recognize that, and learn from it, we can become better people.
– T.J Klune

What I did not fancy:

1. Nothing
2. Not one thing

It’s the little things, I expect. Little treasures we find without knowing their origin. And they come when we least expect them. It’s beautiful, when you think about it.
– T.J Klune

Darius the Great is not okay by Adib Khorram – 5/5

Darius the Great is Not Okay by Adib Khorram

“How could I be a tourist in my own past?”
– Adib Khorram

Specifics:

Book: Darius the great is not okay

Author: Adib Khorram

Published: 28 August 2018

Genre: Young adult fiction, Bildungsroman

LGBTQIA literature: Not Sure, Yet!

Publisher: Penguin Books

Cover design: Samira Iravani

Pages: 317

My rating: 5/5

Blurb:

Darius Kellner speaks better Klingon than Farsi, and he knows more about Hobbit social cues than Persian ones. He’s a fractional Persian – half, his mom’s side – and his first-ever trip to Iran is about to change his life.

Darius has never really fit in at home, and he is sure things are going to be the same in Iran. His clinical depression doesn’t exactly help matters coma and trying to explain his medication to his grandparents only makes things harder. Then Darius maids Sohrab, the boy next door, and everything changes. Soon, they are spending their days together, playing soccer, eating faludeh, and talking for hours on a secret rooftop overlooking the city’s skyline. Sourabh calls him Darioush – the original Farsi version of his name – and Darius has never felt more like himself than he does now that he is darioush to Sohrab.

By turns hilarious and heartbreaking, Adib khorram’s brilliant debut is for anyone who’s ever felt not good enough – then met a friend who makes them feel so much better that okay.

“…love was and opportunity, not a burden.”
– Adib Khorram

Review:

Why do good books do this thing? I mean, come to an end? I cried enough to fill a pond and that’s not just during the ending.

Darius the Great is not okay was a book that I chose to read after being overwhelmed by how much people usually have an opinion on other people going through depression. As a doctor and someone who has been through something similar but was lucky enough to survive because of the support of my family and friends, I know better than to be the voice of others going through it.

I honestly do not understand why and how a person can even assume that they would understand a feeling that they’ve never been through. Darius the Great is not okay was a book that spoke volumes about the very topic without coming off as overwhelming.

The story is set around a high schooler, Darius who suffers from depression and is constantly bullied in school for being from a different ethnicity (Persian on the mother’s side), his name and being plump. He is also in dismay of thinking that he is nothing but a disappointment to his father.

Darius has a supportive family but he has seen his father drift away from him over the time. The only constant thing in his life making him happy was his sister, Laleh.

Darius’ mom is originally from Iran but she has never been there after the wedding and hence Darius and Laleh haven’t been their either. They talk to their grand parents and other relatives via Skype and Darius has always felt distant because of his lack of ‘Farsi’ speaking or understanding abilities.

Darius’ granddad is nearing death due to a life threatening disease and they make a plan to go visit them. This experience changes Darius’ outlook on life.

The story continues as Darius struggles to feel belonged to some place and tries to mend his differences with his dad and gets to know his maternal side of the family.

The plot, as you can see, is very well set and explained. It’ll get you hooked from the beginning. The book, though initial felt medium paced, picks it up after the first few chapters and then it gets hard to put it down.

It’s not only relatable and the need of the hour but also feels so real. I absolutely loved reading it. There are definitely going to be several instances where the taps in my lacrimal glands were forced open and I do not mind it at all.

The writing is really good. The author has made me cry twice in a single page and several times before and after that.

We learn a lot of the Farsi culture. There are a lot of star wars and Lord of the rings references in the book. You can never go wrong with a book that has that.

There is no cliffhanger in the book even though there is a part II coming out soon. There however is a longing to know more because of how skillfully Adib Khorram managed to steal our hearts away with this beautiful story.

I have thought about everything and I really can’t find a thing I would like to change about the story. It’s one of those books which devour you completely.

The book made me cry even while writing the review!

I wouldn’t mind re-reading the book. This is one of the very few books I’d add to that list. I cannot wait for Darius the Great deserves better.

I rate the book 5/5 stars and also a special thank you to the author for making me drink water.

“Suicide isn’t the only way you can lose someone to depression.”
– Adib Khorram

Spoiler alert

The book has a lot of beautiful and relatable situations. Especially, mental health being a taboo when Darius goes to his home country. Darius always being the target of bullying and then coming back home only to feel like he is not enough and that his sister was just a compensation for his failures was truly heart breaking.

I was so glad by how much he was loved when he went to Yazad. It changed his outlook on his life. He mended his relationship with his father and made a friend forever.

I am in awe of all the things I felt while reading this story. I somehow feel like there is chance for Darius and Sohrab to be together. That would be great if it happens in book 2.

Some of my favourite parts include the stories that Darius learned about his mother’s childhood and how easily Sohrab made Darius feel like he belonged.

‘Jaye Shoma Khali’, the Persian version of ‘Your place was empty’ translating to you were missed was the most heart touching line from the book.

Coming to the characters:

Darius Kellner: Our beloved Darius has had a rough school life. From being teased for his weight and bullied for his name and origins, it doesn’t help that his relationship with his father is on the rocks. He is under medication for depression alongside his father and he does not know if there is anything in particular that has triggered it. He used to be a football player but the meds spoiled it for him. He always feels like whatever he does, it’s only going to disappoint his father. (hard relate) I felt like he was a very passionate and heart felt kid who gave his 100 percent but sometimes the 100 percent isn’t enough and it’s okay. Darius loves his sister and learns to love his family that he meets for the first time when he goes to Yazad. I want to adopt and spoil him. I absolutely loved this character and the growth he had through the book.

Sohrab: Sohrab is the sweetest friend anyone could ever imagine having. He is very welcoming and mixes well with anyone that happen to cross paths with him and does not care that you have flaws. Everyone do, don’t they? He lives with his mum and his dad was falsely arrested because of his ethnicity. Sohrab in an attempt to mix with his peers, makes a wrong decision to tease Darius but realises what he has done and apologizes immediately. Now, I’m not saying that it’s okay to lose it once in a while but I know how friendships can be lost to ego. We Stan a friend who can apologize and make up for the mistakes of their own. He yells at Darius when his father passes away and proves to us that how ever calm and collected you are, when your lost and angry, you say things that you don’t mean. He makes up to him again In-spite of grieving and that went to show how important he felt Darius was to him.

Stephen Kellner: Boy! Did I hate him in the beginning! In the process of fending for his own mental health, Stephen Kellner became one of the reason for destroying Darius’. I don’t blame him though because him being mentally stable was much more important than being there for Darius at the cost of his mental health. We do find out that he went through a very bad phase where he contemplated suicide but he did conquer it and is alive and well now. He was the silent parent who did everything without saying. The way he goes out of his comfort zone to express all his feelings to make Darius understand itself shows how much his kids mean to him and how hard he has tried to hold on.

“Everyone wants you here. We have a saying in Farsi. It translates ‘your place was empty.’ We say it when we miss somebody.”
I sniffed.
“Your place was empty before. But this is your family. You belong here.”
– Adib Khorram

What I liked about it:

1. The LOTR references! Keep em coming!
2. How the author managed to make me cry twice on the same page and many more times before and after that
3. How casually having homosexual parents is mentioned
4. How much more I love with my family after reading the book
5. How amazing it is to have read this
6. The cover
7. A very easy read
8. The afterword
9. Darius’guide to tea!
10. THE THEME OF THE BOOK and how effortlessly it fills your mind

Cons:

1. It came to an end
2. I’m dehydrated
3. I need more

“You’re the only person who never wanted me to change.”
– Adib Khorram

July 2020 Wrap-Up

July Reads

I’ve started taking things slow from this month but it was good for the books I chose none the less. I did continue my Leigh Bardugo marathon and I am only left with King of Scars. I did four books, one of them being a short story and all of them were pleasant and nice.

1. The Bookish Holiday of Nina Hill by Abbi Waxman – 4/5

A funny and heartwarming short story based on the characters from the book, The Bookish Life of Nina Hill, this is a must read for anyone who loved the book. It’s available for free on the authors website: Holiday Short Story

2. Ruin and Rising by Leigh Bardugo – 4/5

The final part of the Shadow and Bone Trilogy, Ruin and Rising was definitely a good conclusion to the story. I wouldn’t consider it to be one of the best works of fiction out there especially having read the Six of Crows duology already, but the universe that was created is very beautiful and I think it makes up for all the flaws I felt were in the story. This is a must read to all the fantasy lovers out there.

3. The Language of Thorns by Leigh Bardugo – 4.5/5

Released on September 26 2017, this is a collection of six dark fairy tales with the Leigh Bardugo twist. Each story is sure to leave you with a surprising feeling in the end.

4. Darius the Great is Not Okay by Adib Khorram – 5/5

A YA Fiction/Bildungsroman, this book is a must read for everyone who reads fiction. The author managed to capture the message he was trying to pass on and project it as beautifully as humanly possible. It was released in August’18 and the part two is due 25th August’2020.

I cannot wait to see what August has in store for me. See y’all next time with the next month’s wrap up.

Whispering Flames – July Release

Candles, Lip Balm and Pop Sockets from Afia!

Hey kind people! I am back with another unboxing and this time it isn’t a book box. It’s my July haul from Afia Vasaiwala of @whisperingflames

You can read the interview in which she talks about her shop by clicking on this text: INTERVIEW WITH THE BOOKISH CANDLE QUEEN OF INDIA

Afia upped her release this month by several kinds of candles, a lip balm, pop sockets and stickers in collaboration with Bushra of @doodlesandchibis

You can check out her release IgTv by clicking on this text: JULY RELEASES

Disclaimer: Most if not all of these are out of stock!

I know for a fact that Afia puts in her soul into everything starting from getting the most organic and environmentally friendly raw materials to working hard on making the candles work like perfection. Hell, she also puts in efforts into making the best labels and matching everything so it looks like a unit. She even tries her best to make our shopping experience better by making her website as easy to use and pretty to see as possible. We Stan a woman who leaves no stones unturned to give us the best worth of our money and she does not take it lightly.

So, I ordered two 2oz candles, one lip balm and a pop socket and it arrived with a beautiful surprise. Read till the end to find out what the surprise was.

Witch and Chasseur – 2oz Black Tin

This beautiful candle based on one of my favourite books – Serpent and Dove, comes in 2oz tins and 7oz jars.

The Label: It is shiny with several hexagons in emerald, slate, black, white and ash colour with golden borders and the name of the candle written in gold too.

Colour: A brilliant Green with a sprinkle of gold stars. The tin is black.

Fragrance: Cinnamon, Butter (Sticky Buns)

Price: Rs. 160/- for the 2 oz tins and Rs. 380/- for the 7 oz jars

Audiobooked – 2oz White Tin

Look at the stars, look how they shine for you!

A candle to die for, offered in 2oz tins and 7oz jars with a very beau label that comes in various gradients of purple-violet.

The Label: A subtle purple background with holo starry foiled text, the pictures do no justice to what so ever.

Colour: Sky Blue with holo glitter.

Fragrance: Blueberry Cobbler

Price: Rs. 175/- for the 2 oz tins and Rs. 400/- for the 7 oz jars

No Mourners, No Funerals Lip Balm

The lip balm is so delicious and smooth and is completely made of 100% natural and vegan ingredients. It definitely is worth the price and is not just a collectable. It is based on six of crows and the label is also similar to the candle by the same name.

Flavour: Coffee

Price: Rs. 150/-

The Dregs Pop Socket

We were offered four brilliant bookish pop sockets and I obviously chose the Six of Crows one. It has a marble finish with the dregs symbol on it. I have been using it since I got it and it is quite sturdy and beautiful.

Price: Rs. 250/-

Anu’s Study Sesh – 7oz Jar

She made me an exclusive candle to help me study and be focused while I am at it. I feel so special and validated. It is one of a kind and I am the only one who gets to experience it. I love you Afia!

The Label: It is a green holo foiled labelled which looks like a paper on a clipboard with a pen on one end. It is really pretty.

Colour: Green because it is my favoured colour with glitter on it.

Fragrance: I am no expert but she did mention that she would add something like mint that will help me focus without falling prey to sleep. It smells really good though!

Keep an eye out for her new releases from her Instagram page: @whisperingflames. You can find her website below:

www.wisperingflames.com

See y’all with another unboxing!

The Anniversary Espresso TBB Box (Rep Box)

The Anniversary 2020 Espresso Unboxing!

The Anniversary box was a box filled with happiness and joy. It felt amazing to uncover all the things that the team put together and it is the second best box that I got from them. The theme of the box was, “GRIMM AND GREY” and it was beautiful.

My live unboxing of this box is very special to me because it’s the first box I have added subtitle to. You can watch it by clicking on this text: THE ANNIVERSARY 2020 ESPRESSO UNBOXING

The complete unboxing in a picture, though was hard to create given how packed the box was, I think managed pretty well.

The following are all the beautiful things that were a part of it!

The New Mind-Blowingly attractive box

The box this time is a new one with a pastel pink colour and a pretty design. What’s amazing is that it looks prettier on the inside.

BOTM: THE SISTERS GRIMM in hardback

This Dark Fantasy by Menna Van Praag has the prettiest cover I’ve ever seen. It was sent to us with the TBB exclusive dust jacket and a beautiful author letter. The letter was definitely one of the bets ones we’ve ever received. There was also a bookmark with quotes from the book. This is a part of all the boxes.

Blurb: They found each other at eight, separated at thirteen. Now they are nearly eighteen and must find each other again…

This is the story of four sisters Grimm-daughters born to different mothers on the same day. Each born out of bright-white wishing and black-edged desire.

In thirty-three days, the sisters will meet their father in a place they go to when they dream..

Only then will they discover who they truly are. And what they can truly do. Then they will fight to save their lives and the lives of the ones they love.

The Author Letter!

Book 2: Monsters

The book 2 which is a part of espresso and above boxes was also a hardback and is Monsters, a historical fiction by Sharon Dogar.

Blurb: 1814: 216 year old step sisters run away with a married man. The results are devastating and this ripples will be felt for centuries.

This is the incredible story of Mary Shelley – radical rebellious and entranced. It is the story of a young woman who defies tradition and society, and who draws upon the monstrous element of her own life to create the most memorable monster of them all.

Celebrating 200 years since the publication of Frankenstein, acclaimed writer Sharon Dogar brings to life the passion, tragedy and forbidden love of its teenage author.

A Pocket Classic: A Midsummer Night’s Dream

The team from tbb box has given us a gift for their anniversary in the form of a beautiful green pocket classic by Shakespeare – A midsummer night’s dream! I love the colour and I can’t wait to read it. This also happens to be the second pocket classic after the one that came in the Christmas classics edition.

An enamel mug

I am currently on a Leigh Bardugo marathon and Grishaverse has conquered my entire body. It’s seeping through every little capillary that’s working. So when tbb box announced that they are doing a fandom enamel mug with Alina, Nikolai, the darkling, kaz and Inej, I couldn’t wait for it. It’s so beautiful and I love it. This is the second enamel mug I own from the company and it is beautiful. I failed in doing a video to show off the mug but I’m attaching it anyway.

A reading planner

I’ve never owned a reading planner before and I am so glad that my first one is from the big book box. It not only is beautiful but also has very flexible options and a reading challenge. It’s very pretty. It kinda matches the new box and I’m game for using it.

Disney playing cards

This month’s box had a set of selectively assorted playing cards with several characters like Jafar, The Evil Queen, Lady Tremaine, Maleficent, Anna Pocahontas, Cinderella, Little Mermaid, Flynn Rider, Prince Charming, Aladdin, Li-Shang, Aurora, Belle, Rapunzel and Snow White. I love the illustrations and I cannot wait to play with these cards.

Enamel pin: The Witcher

I haven’t watched the series because of lack of time and patience but the pin is so cute. I’ll probably watch the series some day and understand who the pin is based on.

Barefoot Sunshine

Barefoot Sunshine is a relaunch of the monthly magazine by the team of big book box. It features submissions of various kind from the subscribers and it’s a wonderful way for us to showcase out talents. This edition features F Scott Fitzgerald on the cover and has short stories, poems from the readers. It also had the unboxing prompts and deets about the merch that came with the box.

Mini Tbb Box

What’s my new obsession you ask? The cute mini box they’ve sent in the anniversary box. It was neatly tucked under the paper shred and I did not notice until I removed it and boy was I elated. So, can we sign a petition for Tbb box to send us one mini box in every box?

2 Bookmarks

This box had a special bookmark from the Sisters Grimm with powerful quotes on both the sides along with another one which had a quote from The Language of Thorns by Leigh Bardugo on one side and The Waves from Virginia Woolf on the other side.

Artprint

Starting from the classics box, we’ve been getting artprints of various themes and this box has one on stranger things.

An author Stamp

The Big Book Box has been teasing us with a new collectible in the form of author stamps from this box with Neil Gaiman. I can’t wait to add more to my collection. I think I’ll set up a notebook and stick them in there. The illustration is hilarious beyond measure.

A literary sticker

A sticker that matches the alternate dust jacket for The Sisters Grimm was a very pretty and I’ve put it to use immediately!

Newsletter from Bookbuzzed

The newsletter from Bookbuzzed has been very helpful with my tbr. They have suggested some must read books by Indian authors and also gave me a list of all time famous short stories. If you have been seeing my monthly book wrap-ups, its so clear that short stories have become something I fancy. I did spend a lot of time tracking them down and adding them to my tbr. We don’t know if this is a regular thing but I would not mind it.

Comic news paper

The pride and prejudice monthly newspaper has been replaced with a new comic newsletter and it had very interesting short comic strips. Given that I am dumb, it did take me a while to wrap my head around it and understand them. The cartoons were really good. Looking forward to more from them.

Brown paper-shred

For the first time in forever, we were given BROWN PAPER SHRED. I have seen this in so many other boxes and I’ve already wanted to own it and finally, my prayers have been answered.

That is what the espresso of the anniversary 2020 box had in store for us. See y’all next time with the march unboxing. Be kind to one another.

Red, White and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston

“Sometimes you just jump and hope it’s not a cliff.”
– Casey McQuiston

Specifics:

Book: Red, White and Royal Blue

Author: Casey McQuiston

Published: 14th May’2019

Genre: Fiction, Romance novel, LGBT literature

LGBTQIA literature: Yes

Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin

Cover design: Colleen Reinhart

Pages: 422

My rating: 4/5

Blurb:

What happens when America first son falls in love with the Prince of Wales?

When his mother became president of the United States, Alex Claremont-Diaz was promptly cast as the American equivalent of a young Royal. Handsome, charismatic, genius – his image is pure millennial-marketing gold for the White House. There’s only one problem: Alex has a beef with an actual Prince, Henry, across the pond. And when the tabloids get hold of a photo involving and Alex / Henry altercation, U.S. / British relations take a turn for the worse.

Heads of family and state and other handlers device a plan for damage control: Stage a truce between the two rivals. What at first begins as a fake, instagrammable friendship grows deeper, and more dangerous, then either Alex or Henry could have imagined. Soon Alex finds himself hurtling into a secret romance with a surprisingly un-stuffy Henry that could derail the presidential campaign and upend two nations. It raises the question: Can love save the world after all? Where do we find the courage, and the power, to be the people we are meant to be? And how can we learn to let are true colours shine through?

“But the truth is, also, simply this: love is indomitable.”
– Casey McQuiston

Dedication:

For the wierdos and the dreamers.

“You are”, he says, “the absolute worst idea I’ve ever had”
– Casey McQuiston

Review:

‘History huh? I bet we could make some!’

This is the single dialogue that can sell the book. I probably will remember this forever. This and many other line which will grow on you, like they did on me.

The book is medium paced, long chaptered with fairly good writing. The story is presented to us from Alex’s point of view who initially came across as annoying but as the story progresses, I absolutely fell in love with him and all the other characters.

The name of the book is so apt. It suddenly hit me in the end and that flooded me with happiness.

Just as the blurb says, this is an enemy to lovers trope but also so much more. We learn about politics, we learn about anxiety, we learn about family and friendships. It’s like a whole package decorated with love.

The relationships that the protagonists share with other characters are also well depicted and relatable. The book felt real. Most of the characters have a witty side to them, so expect laughs and sometimes hysterical ones.

Towards the middle, I felt like it did go on a plateau if not a dip down the ‘interesting line’. I think we have the long chapters to blame for that and the initial stage of their alleged relationship felt very repetitive. I was so close to dnf’ing the book. I wouldn’t have finished it if I wasn’t hosting a read-along for the said book!

But it came back really good. The last few chapters especially were irresistible.

The love that Henry and Alex share is to die for. I really want to get out of the ‘ I am happily single phase’ and find something that they share.

The best part of the book, according to me is how much the other characters shine. Each of them had a very good description and even though we see more of the two protagonists, the author managed to show us enough of them to expect spin offs.

The insights into the royal family and the White House were good too. They made the story feel real and not a work of fiction. I love their email exchanges. I am a sucker for emails and every time I saw emails coming my way in the story, I was excited and the author did not disappoint me there.

It’s an enjoyable read but because of the annoyingly long chapters and the failure to captivate my interest towards the middle, I rate it 4/5.

Spoiler alert

The moments that Alex and Henry shared during their journey were so precious. The way Henry tagged along to Texas and had a beautiful BBQ picnic, the way Alex was shown the part of Buckingham palace that Henry was so connected to, the ups and downs they went through and the love that triumphed. Beautiful! Magical! Breath-taking!

When Raphael Luna ditched them to join Richards, I really felt that Oscar was behind this and he knew it. I thought that he was betraying his family. I should have given him the benefit of the doubt though. Turns out they worked only for the best of Ellen Claremont.

I liked both their mothers. Even with their misplaced priorities, they loved their kids and would bring down the world to protect their hearts.

The siblings were gems. If not for them, their already hard journey would have become impossible and the White House trip or the super six were such a bright addition to the story. Who wouldn’t want to be a part of that?

June’s speeches that Alex and Ellen recite during their respective times are so heart-warming. They win the election and somehow tears escaped my eyes too.

The way people all over the world come to support these two lovebirds moved me. The drawings made, the t-shirts sold and the rally’s conducted surely helped them be together.

I really wouldn’t wish anyone to be outed by an anonymous source for any sorts of gains though. It is hard as it is with these choices to make. Giving them time and space to present their true selves in their own way is a very important thing that shouldn’t be robbed off of them. But Richards did pay the price by losing the election and hopefully is in the fiction-worlds biggest jail.

“Someone else’s choice doesn’t change who you are”
– Casey McQuiston

Coming to the characters:

Alex Claremont-Diaz: Has anyone ever started working their way up the political superiority from the moment they set foot on Earth? Because that is Alex, ever so sure of what he wants but unaware of his own orientation in the beginning. He hates Henry, due to a lot of reasons but it is sort of obvious that it might just be an irresistible attraction that’s making him behave so. I think that out of all the characters, Alex loves the hardest. I adore him for always caring for Henry and I adore his parents for being ever so supportive of his choices. Shout out to his mother for never letting Alex feel like he’s a burden to the campaign and only making sure that if he is going for it, he is a thousand percent sure.

HRH Prince Henry of Wales: The tom-boy who turned out to be a poet in disguise, Henry has a lot on his shoulders. He lost his father to pancreatic cancer when he was young and his mother went into a ‘not-so-active’ mode. He tries his best to not deter from his royal duties of which he considers his sexuality to be one. Once he falls in love with Alex, in a very hard ‘I hurt my head in the process’ kinda way. There is no going back. He fights and he wins. Love him for his courage and his emails. Can he email me, please?

June Claremont-Diaz: The smart ass with a goal to take over journalism with her words is probably the world’s most protective and loving sister. You can always find her with a bunch of magazines and newspapers in her hands. She doesn’t waste a second to step up and take a bullet for her brother when his relationship with Henry leaks into the tabloids. I really wish to find out more about how things went with her and Pez, may be a spin off would do us some good. She did get a book deal so, I guess that settles some part of her life.

Princess Beatrice: ‘The Powder Princess’, who has been the only calming point in Henry’s life since their father’s death. She goes out of her way to support Henry and makes sure her mom comes to senses once they need her to back them up. She also always protects him from Philip being a bully and somehow ensures he realizes what he’s doing and tries to correct himself too.

Nora: My second favourite character who exhuberates Determination, zeal and has the best things to say, always. I love her witty side. She’s clever and you can find her running numbers on everything and somehow making sense of it. When she went MIA for two days I was really scared but she comes back with research to bring Richards down for outing her best friend and I want my friends to go and take inspiration from her and I will to because no one, not a single soul can come after my friends and get away with it.

Zahra: Hands-down! My favourite character from the book! She’s the most sarcastic person in the lot with a lot of tough love to spread. She’s engaged to Shaan and the way she handles situations makes her stand out to me. When she said (cover your eyes, kids), ‘I’ll staple your dick to the inside of your legs if it keeps it in your fucking pants’, I lost it. I have stored it in my ‘must have memory’ part of my brain and will use it at any given occasion.

“That’s the choice. I love him, with all that, because of all that. On purpose. I love him on purpose.”
– Casey McQuiston

What I liked about it:

– LGBTQIA plus literature
– Beautiful love story (the one that makes you want to end your singledom, if that’s a word)
– It’s definitely a page-turning in the end
– Brave, Real and independent characters
– It is a sort of an inspiration to the youth to learn about politics
– Has strong friendships and family relations
– Very spiteful and funny dialogues (that I’ll definitely use in real life)
– The side characters shine
– Emails are the main form of communication.

Cons:

– felt a little repetitive in the middle
– The interest won’t be constant, it starts off okay then dips down and then goes up real quick
– a bit predictive
– annoyingly long chapters

“Thinking about history makes me wonder how I’ll fit into it one day, I guess. And you too. I kinda wish people still wrote like that. History, huh? Bet we could make some.”
– Casey McQuiston

June 2020 – Wrap Up!

June Reads!

June was supposed to be my happiest month but turned out to be a disaster. But I did get to read a good amount of beautiful books and I’m happy for that. June was short story month because majority of the books I read were short stories and they are ever so refreshing and amazing.

1. Spin the Dawn by Elizabeth Lim – 4/5

Spin the Dawn is the book 1 of The Blood of Stars Duology. It was released in June 2019. It was a great book.

2. Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo – 5/5

The book 2 of the thrilling fantasy duology – Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo was released in 2016. It was an absolute delight and everyone should read it.

3. Five Feet Apart by Mikki Daughtry, Rachael Lippincott, and Tobias Iaconis – 4.5/5

A beautiful story of teens suffering from Cystic fibrosis falling in love but due to their condition, have to stay apart. This romance fiction was released in November ’18 and is now also a movie starring Haley Lu Richardson and Cole Sprouse.

4. Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo – 3/5

The first installment of the stunning Grisha Trilogy, Shadow and Bone gives us an introduction into the breathtaking fictional world and characters of the Grishaverse. Published in June 2012, this YA/ fantasy fiction is sure to leave you addicted.

4. The Demon in the Wood by Leigh Bardugo – 3.5/5

Also known as the darkling prequel story, this short piece of work will reveal just enough to keep you guessing. It was released in August 2018 and is best read after being familiar with the Grishaverse.

6. We Set the Dark on Fire by Tehlor Kay Mejia – 4/5

The first part of the Duology of the same title, this dystopian fiction/ fantasy fiction released in Feb’19 is sure to catch your eye and keep you wanting for more.

7. Aurora Rising by Jay Kristoff and Amie Kaufman (re-read) – 4/5

A stunning sci-fi fantasy brought to life by the deadly combination of Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff, this is the part one of the Aurora cycle series and was released in April 2019.

8. Red, White and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston – 4/5

A highly rewarded debut novel by the author winning both best romance and best debut novel in the Good reads choice awards, this was a fan favourite during the pride month and was released in May 2019.

9. Siege and Storm by Leigh Bardugo – 3.5/5

Part II of the Shadow and Bone trilogy which unleashed the amazing fictional world of the Grisha was a better read than the part I but I still don’t see why this is a hit series.

10. The Witch of Duva by Leigh Bardugo – 5/5

This is hands down the best short story related to the Grishaverse. It was so beautifully written.

11. The Tailor by Leigh Bardugo – 4/5

The story from Genya’s point of view, Tailor gives us insights into how the royal family treated her and how she ended up on the darkling’s side.

12. The Too-Clever Fox by Leigh Bardugo – 3.5/5

A beautifully written short story which does not give you much information about the Grishaverse but a whole different story teaching you some important life lessons.

13. Little Knife by Leigh Bardugo – 4/5

Another stunning short story which will leave you wanting for more.

14. Love at First Fight by Sandhya Menon – 4.5/5

A short story which is like an introduction to her upcoming book which also happens to be the last book in the Dimpleverse – 10 things I hate about Pinky.

The Tycoon Thirteen Talks – 03

Interview with the creator who blows us away, one miniature product at a time – Nirmitee Aphale!

Hey Nirmitee! So happy to be finally be talking to you about all the love you put into the Hand Made Love Studio! Thank you for giving me the opportunity to poke at your patience with my questions.

Before we begin, I want to just emphasise how stunning your products are. The calendar and the glow in the dark pin are an absolute delight and I am so eager to learn about the process that goes behind it.

Lets get to the interview!

Q. Behind the beautiful pictures of the extraordinary art that she makes, tell us who is Nirmitee Aphale and what does she love other than creating?
– AnM

Okay, so we are starting with the toughest one.
I am a pretty regular kid. Yeah, I am saying kid even though I am 28. I am childish and the baby of my family. I am close to my family and set of friends. Apart from creating art, I love to watch crime series and I am obsessed with anything related to Serial Killers.
– Nirmitee Aphale

Q. Do you get the artsy side of you from your parents? Or was it just an interest that you devoted your time on improving?
– AnM

My parents aren’t artists but there is a little bit of art from my mom’s side. I have always been inclined towards art since I was a kid and did spend a lot of time getting better.
– Nirmitee Aphale

Q. Did you ever attend classes to develop your skills?
– AnM

My mom pushed me to attend drawing classes. She still keeps sending me ads of all the upcoming workshops happening in my city.
– Nirmitee Aphale

Q. How did this idea of selling your art come to you?
– AnM

In 2016 I had quit my job and was recovering from a small accident. I was pretty clueless about my future. I painted a few bookmarks for Fun and a friend of mine suggested that I should start a business of hand-painted stuff. One thing leads to another and the result is in front of you.
– Nirmitee Aphale

Q. When did you first begin and did you ever think that you’d get such a welcoming and friendly response? How long did it take for people to start noticing your shop?
– AnM

I officially opened my page on 24th November 2016. Honestly, when I first started I didn’t think that my page was going to go anywhere. I started with such basic stuff that I had no hope of turning this into a profession. It was just making me happy at that moment and I focused on that.
The Instagram community is love. I am blessed with some amazing followers who turned into clients and are now my friends.
Honestly, if I go to compare with other artists on Insta my page is nowhere close and being someone who is kinda competitive I always feel that I haven’t reached enough people. But people who have noticed my page are absolute sweethearts so not going to complain 🙂
– Nirmitee Aphale

Q. How much time does it take to give life to an idea usually? How tedious/fun is the process of creating something new?
– AnM

It all depends on the idea I guess. For example, now I am so absorbed in Harry Potter it usually doesn’t take long for me to figure out how to do it and actually get it done. But I always give myself about 2 weeks of time to make anything. Some ideas are absolutely fun to plan and create and then are somewhere I do them just because this is my main income source.
– Nirmitee Aphale

Q. What is the first product you’ve ever made? Do you still make it?
– AnM

I painted bookmarks as my first order. I do still make them and they are my most bought item but definitely have stepped up my game in that department.
– Nirmitee Aphale

Q. How often do you take ideas from your friends/followers and give them life? What has been the best creation that has come out of this?
– AnM

Since I pride myself in making everything customised a lot of ideas do come from my followers/friends or clients who approach me with a specific item they have in mind. I guess the best product to come out of it is Glow in Dark Deathly Hallows. A follower of mine asked me to create the Deathly Hallows with the glow in dark clay.
– Nirmitee Aphale

Q. What is your most sold/most requested product? Is it still in stock? (I’m gonna guess that it’s the glow in the dark deathly hallows paperclip, I absolutely love it!)
– AnM

Hahaha Yes, it’s definitely Deathly Hallows and I had actually discontinued that product last year but had to make new ones because too many people still want it. 😀
– Nirmitee Aphale

Q. Now that we’ve come this far, what are all the products that you’ve ever created?
– AnM

Oh wow listing all the products I have created so far is kinda a long list but I will tell you the top products that I am absolutely proud of:
01. Mini typewriter
02. Mini trunk with Hedwig
03. Deathly Hallows (in all forms )
04. Hand painted bookmarks
05. All the boxes with goodies
06. A miniature farmhouse
07. Stickers
08. Hand painted Coasters
09. All Harry Potter Potions
10. Friends Frame
– Nirmitee Aphale

Q. Which of your products do you have the most fun creating?
– AnM

Ummm. I love creating potions and painting coasters. Anything related to watercolour is always therapeutic. I absolutely love creating those mini typewriters. It has my heart.
– Nirmitee Aphale

Q. One fandom you’ll never stop making products inspired from? And if you know the reason, why?
– AnM

Harry Potter!!!!!!! I am obsessed with the wizarding world and the level of work people have put into making those movies. I love recreating miniatures of the amazing items from the movies and books.
– Nirmitee Aphale

Q. How often do you get, ‘ Why is that so costly?’ and how do you deal with it? Does it turn you off and make you want to take a break from creating for a while?
– AnM

Ahhh! My favourite question 😀 Not that often because when I started I was very much aware of my audience and I used to undercharge my work a lot. After years of scolding from my friend I eventually started increasing the price to standard rates. But 99% of times I am blessed with amazing clients who appreciate my work and don’t question the cost. I am grateful for that. It definitely makes me feel appreciated and gives me a different push to work harder.
– Nirmitee Aphale

Q. What is more exciting, making the same item for a bulk order or making multiple new items?
– AnM

Sometimes making bulk items is oddly satisfying. I love to see the same piece being created over and over again and not lose its shape and form. I take pride in bulk orders because for someone who is a one-woman army I have completed some awesome bulk orders. But then there is always the excitement to experiment, to figure out how to make a particular item. I really can’t choose.
– Nirmitee Aphale

Q. Your 2020 calendar is the prettiest thing that I own. The artwork is so beautiful and it’s the best new year gift I received! Can you tell us something about the process of creating a calendar? Do you have a theme in mind or do you go in the blind while creating the artwork? Do you pre-decide colour schemes?
– AnM

Aww, thank you so much for that. This calendar was extra special for me. I didn’t do much honestly speaking. I painted random galaxies and just had a general idea of how I wanted it to look but the real work was done by my boyfriend (who is an amazing artist himself).
He helped me a lot with the digitalization of the calendar and it’s a very important step because your digital copies affect the printing quality. So this year’s calendar had a big contribution from him. I don’t plan that much for the calendars. They depend on my mood and how much I am ready to give into them. I still haven’t decided what I am making for 2021.
– Nirmitee Aphale

Q. This is my favourite question to ask creators. What is your favourite part of the process beginning from getting the order to delivering it?
– AnM

For me, it has to be packing the products. If anyone has seen the efforts I put into it they know I spend hours on just packing. from creating the exact size boxes to writing notes i love it all.
– Nirmitee Aphale

Q. What’s the best complement you’ve ever gotten?
– AnM

A client of mine said she wants to name her future daughter Nirmitee because she is in love with my creations. That’s the sweetest thing anyone has ever said to me.
– Nirmitee Aphale

Q. Is there something called as a creating slump? What triggers it? And how do you get out of it?
– AnM

Oh, I get creative blocks all the time. I am an expert procrastinator and I don’t find the energy or the push I need to create till the very last moment. My laziness does just add to the slump. I don’t how to get over it. it just happens over time I guess, at least for me.
– Nirmitee Aphale

Q. What’s your go-to scenery for painting? (Like florals or the night sky or plants or the ocean?)
– AnM

Sea and beach. I would paint it everywhere if I could. I love just putting those shades of blue and yellow ochre on paper and watch the magic.
– Nirmitee Aphale

Q. Can you tell us why your birthday box is the best gift ever? And what products does it have?
– AnM

The birthday box is the best gift ever because it is completely customizable. I give the client complete freedom to choose what to put into the box.
– Nirmitee Aphale

Q. The first thing I noticed when I came across your account is how bright and beautiful the pictures are! Any photography tips for nubies like me?
– AnM

Hahaha, loads of natural light. Nothing beats natural light. To find a window and the time when plenty of light comes through it and set up your flat lays there and get clicking.
– Nirmitee Aphale

Q. Is Handmadelovestudio something you want to be involved with for longer time or do you have other plans?
– AnM

Handmade love studio is my life. I will never stop creating for it. I want to grow this business and add more things to my hat but currently a lot is happening on personal front so I am trying to focus on it. But next year hoping to grow this business more.
– Nirmitee Aphale

Q. I absolutely love your monthly layouts for your journal. How do you come up with ideas for layouts? They’re so amazing, pretty and unique, I wanna steal them.
– AnM

PINTEREST PINTEREST PINTEREST !!!!!!!!! I live by that app. I get my journalling ideas from there.
– Nirmitee Aphale

Q. Guessing from your stories, you seem to be a foodie? If I got that right, why is your favourite favourite food and what is your comfort food?
– AnM

I am a selective foodie. There are some dishes I absolutely love but then I am really a picky eater as well. FRIES!!!!! I eat fries where ever I go. I have eaten fries in a south Indian restaurant ( The kinda restaurant which is famous for its dosa and sambar) Fries is my comfort food as well. I cannot live without fries.
– Nirmitee Aphale

This or that!
1. Paperbacks or hardcovers?
Hardcovers
2. Watercolours or acrylic?
Watercolours
3. Miniatures or artwork?
Miniatures
4. Fantasy or Thriller?
Thriller
5. Stay home and chill or Go out and explore?
Both depending on the mood
6. Chai or coffee?
Chai is bae
7. Marvel or DC?
Marvel but also Batman

Thank you so much for your time Nirmitee. You are an amazing soul and I hope your creativity never sees an end. I wish for you to keep blessing us with your amazing products.

You can find and order her amazing products from her Instagram store: @handmadelovestudio !

We Set the Dark on Fire by Tehlor Kay Mejia

“Maybe this was trust … Giving someone the power to ruin you, betting your life on the belief that they wouldn’t.”
– Tehlor Kay Mejia

Specifics:

Book: We Set the Dark on Fire

Author: Tehlor Kay Mejia

Published: 26th Feb’2019

Genre: Fantasy Fiction, Dystopian Fiction, Contemporary, YA Fiction

LGBTQIA literature: Yes

Series: Part 1 of the Duology

Age: 14+

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books ( Harper Collins Publishers)

Pages: 384

My rating: 4/5

**Source: Google (From the Twitter account of the author:** **@tehlorkay**

Blurb:

DANIELA VARGAS is a top student at the Media School for girls, where young women are trained to be perfect wives to distinguished men, but her pedigree is a lie. She must keep the truth hidden or be sent back to the fringes of society. But when a resistance group learns where she comes from and asks her to become one of their spies, Dani must decide will she give up everything she’s strived for in pursuit of a free Medio – and a chance at a forbidden love?

“The bad stuff will be there … If we want to fight it, we have to find joy where we can. We have to find beauty. We have to take our moments to be happy. Because the joy is what keeps us strong and reminds us we have something to fight for.”
– Tehlor Kay Mejia

Review:

This is an accidental pick for this month but turned out to be so relevant. With the #blacklivesmatter movement taking place on a very resourceful and much needed way, I wanted to read books that reflect on such revolutionary times.

We set the dark on fire is not only an lgbtq literature but a revolt, against the upper class smothering the lower class and the lower class fighting for their freedom and lives.

The book is set in a world where girls from the ‘Right side’ of the wall go to a school where they are trained to either be a Primera – ‘A woman who will be an equal to her husband and rule by his side in whatever he does’ and a Segunda – ‘A woman with nothing to do but to be pretty and bear children’.

The story is from Dani’s point of view and in the beginning of the story are very questionable teachings that are taught to the girls in the Medio School.

This premise was so hurtful and it tested my patience but there was something more to the story than just this. I thought the story would be about this system being overruled.

But turns out, there is also a war happening against the class (caste) system and people are revolting against their “Rulers”.

The La Voz society that fights for the suppressed approach Dani and black mail her to become a spy for them. Meanwhile, Dani who graduates as the best Primera is married off along with Carmen – her die hard enemy, to the same family of Garcias, who happen to be running for president soon and have a core place in the havoc being raged on the lower class.

What happens next is not just rebellious and brave but also heart warming. The character development is very strong. I absolutely adore the writing and couldn’t keep the book down.

The book does end on a very good but sort of predictable twist and a cliffhanger which I think was not necessary.

I would have liked it better if they spoke about the ‘Two Wives’ thing in a negative way. Nobody seemed to have a problem with that and I am hoping that book 2 shatters this as well.

I rate this book 4/5 stars.

**Source: Google (From the blog of** **Red Girl Musings**)

Spoiler alert:

The plot of the book was very well set. I liked that the author gave us a lot of information but also kept some for herself.

The best character development is definitely Carmens. She goes from being a sworn enemy who uses Dani’s childhood to tease her to coming out to her as someone who just needed cover to falling in love with her and ending up being a member of La Voz.

The ending of the book, however, I am not okay with somehow. Why did Carmen have to leave? They could have built up a story to cover for the both of them right? I would have loved seeing them both sneaking off to steal some alone time when Mateo wasn’t home.

The love story was pretty amazing though. The classic enemy to love trope but in a completely magical and rebellious setting. Someone on Goodreads said, “Imagine being a weak straight man and your two wives don’t love you, and instead fall in love with each other. Instantly cursed.” I figuratively died laughing at that.

“In a battle between two men trying to control her, she’d chosen herself.”
– Tehlor Kay Mejia

Coming to the main characters:

Dani: Coming from the other side of the wall, Dani’s parents gave up everything to get her into the school and her only goal is to get into a good house and fulfill her parents dreams. But when Sota approaches her and starts blackmailing her, she hesitantly helps in to protect her cover. We see her as a powerful and spontaneous young lady. She does feel for her cause and positively decided to convert into a member of the La Voz. I love how strong yet vulnerable she is. I cannot wait to see how she manages to carry on in that house without Carmen.

Carmen: I think she is a very important member of the society. The way she presents herself is admirable. I cannot wait to see more of her. Especially since she is not far away from someone that she loves so dearly.

Mateo: Can we kill him already? I hate how he is a control freak. I hate how he thinks he can rule the world with his cruelty. I hate how he treats the two girls. He is a perverted and privileged piece of shit and somebody that I relate a lot of real-life leaders to. The way he pushes himself on women is so disgusting and I feel like a thousand insects are crawling under my skin.

Reasons to pick up the book:

LGBTQ plus literature
Strong female characters
Great plot and writing
Very relevant for current times
Fast read
Page turner

**Beautiful art of Dani and Carmen by** **Laya Rose Art**

Cons:

Tests your patience in the beginning (this is subjective)
Ends on a cliffhanger which is making me anxious becasue we don’t really have answers
Predictable to a certain extent
The violence can be a trigger

“You have a big heart, a strong mind, and you will find a way to make a life you love. No matter how different it is from the one you left.”
– Tehlor Kay Mejia