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The Stopover

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4 stories, in 4 locations, brought alive with over 100 photos.

Available now with launch offer on flipkart. Click here :
http://www.flipkart.com/the-stopover-...

The Stopover is a book for those who believe that every new place we visit and every culture we experience enriches our lives and that at every stopover in the journey of life is an exciting new treasure trove. It has stories of 4 such stopovers, a combination of fiction & fact brought alive through photographs.

208 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2012

1 person is currently reading
78 people want to read

About the author

Ram Prakash

15 books6 followers
Ram had been in the advertising & marketing world for 12 years when he realised that we have but one life to explore the many fascinating worlds around us. Armed with a one-year photography course, he set out to seek beyond what the eye sees.

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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
Profile Image for Dyuti.
72 reviews305 followers
September 5, 2012
Disclaimer: I received a segment of this book from the author in exchange for an opinion. However, all my opinions are honest and in no way influenced by the author or publisher.

Truth to be told, when Deepa Pinto told me that she had authored a Photo Fiction book, I could not much understand the concept and did not feel much excited. But that all changed when I went through the first 30 pages of this marvelous novelty -- I felt myself drawn instantly towards it.

First, "What is a Photo Fiction book?"

It is a story interspersed with bright, colored photographs, taken of the location where the story is set. Quite like a magazine entry, or a travel article, but different, in the sense that you are reading fiction. Imagine watching a movie and reading a book both rolled into one. Get the drift?

Second, you might ask, "Whats do new about that? We always had picture books, which used to be illustrated. And anyways, grown ups don't need picture books. That's childish."

No, its not. Picture books are usually illustrated, not photographed. And trust me when I say this, the photographs in this book are so beautiful, that you will be tempted to stare at them for quite some time, before you can turn the page. Also, the themes that are dealt with are not for kids. The four stories address issues that most Indian adults can identify with: love, loss, identity and pain.

Finally, " How's the general standards of the stories?"

I have not read all the stories, but yet, I am glad to say, the writing is really good. Considering the usual standard of despicable rat poop which some Indian authors writing in English(now now, Mr Chetan Bhagat, Mr. Durojoy Dutta, and Mr. Ravinder Singh, no need to run for cover) try to pass off as literature, I was very shocked indeed, to find it so good. It was crisp, and yet beautiful to read. It actually made me yearn to go for a trip to the Himalayas -- so great was the power of her words!


All in all, I loved this surprise package and would definitely love to lay my hands on it once it's released. Impressive! :)
Profile Image for Sarika Patkotwar.
Author 5 books69 followers
November 20, 2012
Review of The Stopover (Sample PDF) can be read here.

FULL Review:

I was surprised to receive a message from co-author of The Stopover, Deepa Pinto asking for my opinion on the idea of a photo-fiction book, the first of its kind. When I checked out The Stopover website, I was completely intrigued and mesmerized by the whole concept.
The Stopover, the brainchild of Deepa Pinto and Ram Prakash, is a photo-fiction book, consisting of four elegant and charming stories titled The Tibetan Wheel Of Wisdom, A Rocking Horse Can Gallop Too, The Sun Shines Forever and I Hear Them Calling, along with some really brilliant photos of the Indian cities where the stories are set. When it comes to India, I think she is best described in pictures and a few words, which is exactly what The Stopover is about. It’s all about India in her shining glory!
The Tibetan Wheel Of Wisdom is a story that took me by surprise. Set in Leh, a peaceful and calming destination, I actually felt peaceful while reading this rather enchanting experience of Varun who embarks on a visit to Leh to get away from his hectic schedule and depressing heartbreak. The pictures here are lovely, just like Leh.
‎A Rocking Horse Can Gallop Too is a simple yet extraordinary story about family and love. Vishwa and Kailash, two brothers who reunite after years and realise that their lives aren’t all that different, will be remembered for a long time. The pictures in the second story are colourful, vibrant and really mesmerising!
Before The Sun Shines Forever, the Todas from Ooty were just a part of my Geography text book in school. I now feel enlightened to know so much about them, they're a wonderful tribe from whom we have a lot to learn! This is the story of brothers, Deva and Vishwa who, in spite of their contrasting personalities, are grounded and respectful towards their people. The pictures here take you through a visual Ooty journey.
‎I Hear Them Calling is a lovely story about how the youth can after all make a difference! I loved reading about Vikram and Deepika, fresh graduates who are ready to step into the real world and start living life by their own terms. The sea life pictures here were mind blowing.
The Stopover is an altogether new and refreshing experience by way of which one journeys into a land full of surprises and grandeur. The Stopover has left me speechless. It truly is a remarkable piece of art as I like to call it. The attention here is on the photos, which are enchanting and capture beauty in its natural, raw and fresh form. Apart from the photos, the writing in itself is absolutely stunning. Each story has a hidden message to convey while at the same time it gives a glimpse into the vast cultural euphoria that India is. Deepa Pinto and Ram Prakash deserve a huge round of applause for introducing the captivating concept of photo-fiction in writing and making it a reality.
Profile Image for Ankita.
Author 4 books186 followers
November 22, 2012
Updated:21 Nov, 2012
Note:--- Full Review (based on full copy)
Mesmerizing, compelling and appeasing
Set out. Seek. Discover.

A while back, I got sample pages of this book, I was lucky, wasn't I!! I was so transfixed by the sample pages that I couldn't wait to get my hands on the Full book and WOW!! What an enthralling journey it was with 4 stopovers!! How do you even begin to do justice on a review for such an enlightening voyage!!
This Book not only takes you to 4 destinations, gives you the glimpse of their lives, culture, ordeals , hopes and dreams but also bestows an enchanting panorama of rich vibrant India. Where the writing is well-crafted and beautiful with vivid detailing taking you to that very place, the exquisite photographs amplifies your experience there.
The collaboration of best of both worlds (writing and photography) was so spellbinding that it was hard for me to put it down as I was living through every word and photo.

Mostly we are so engrossed in ourselves that we overlook the beauty and beasts around us. This book is a precise eye-opener. All the stories teaches many lessons, revealing the hidden truths of life, telling us to Listen to our hearts, analyze ourselves, correct ourselves, and have a courage to change. It made me an observant traveler as well.

It is very difficult for me to pick a favorite as all of them are distinct and compelling in there own way.
In 'The Tibetan Wheel of Wisdom' As I learn about the pains and ordeals hidden behind the smiles of Tibetans through Varun's lenses, I felt rage, really strong ... I can't fathom such brutality, but then the ending was peaceful (I really want to read this book by lake Pangong sitting in one of those tents, Photos of Lake Pangong are so tempting).
'A rocking horse can gallop too' took me to my childhood reminding me of those wooden toys I played 'ghar-ghar' with (and the photos look better then my toys), gave me a peek into problems with generation gape, the sacrifices parents make to raise their children and no matter the age, chasing dreams is always possible.
'The sun shines forever' story gave a chance to Todas to voice their reasons and believes (their red-black-white beautiful shawls :)). It's about the sense of responsibility. It's ending isn't a fairy-tale-ending but is real-life-related-ending kind of... Telling to Do whatever it takes to keep safe what we live for.
'I hear them calling' will make you question your own ethics, as Vikram, a fresh Graduate, today's youth chooses to follow his heart over his dream as he sets out to make a significant difference in the world of animals who can not speak for themselves, he became their voice.
I like Vikram, tad bit more than the other protagonists. Why? because luxury yachts tempts him, he loves south Indian filter coffee and is a converted vegetarian because he doesn't like to eat his friends. what's not there to love him =D.

Who Must read this book:
->A book reader/ book lover
->Photographer, who loves to capture unseen
->Traveler, who likes to explore deep
->who believes in raising a voice, standing up and making a difference
->who simply wants to chill, have a nice time, be happy and at peace
I really like that the Index is named as 'Itinerary' leading to story names as 'destination'.
Once you read it, you wouldn't want it to sit around on your beloved bookshelf but on your work/study/coffee table to just have a peek, in your dull boring days to brighten it up, on your pleasant days to make it more fun or just because you want to re-read it. I know I do, it has a photo for every mood and words to compliment it. This book is a true beauty, an alluring art piece you will be tempted to flaunt around. If you haven't read then you are missing out. ^__^.

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Review Originally posted at Booklok coffee

Best thing about a book- It gives you the freedom of your imagination, you can give faces of your choice to the characters. You are not told what to see, You see what you want to see.
Best thing about a Photo-Fiction book- It still gives you the freedom of much needed imagination, you can still see what you want to see but additional perk is the provision of Photos which makes your journey with the story much pleasant. You feel more connected with the story.

I received 'THE STOPOVER' first-of-its-kind Photo Fiction book Sample chapter of story “The Tibetan Wheel of Wisdom”- One of the four stories (Courtesy Ms. Deepa Pinto).

The first picture, of buddhist monk in red robe looking over the beautiful mountains and Green and muddy plains....
After a long exhausting day, that picture was like a salve for my eyes, so soothing and fresh that I kept staring at it, noticing the details for ... umm... an hour or few minutes I couldn't tell.Then I remembered, Oh it's a book, and I turned the page and begin the story (sample read).

What I love instantly is the writing style and the word play. The blend of photos with the journey of Varun is very interesting. The concept 'photo-fiction-book' is unique and is working perfectly. I found myself feeling the emotions of Varun, story is quite spellbinding.

If you have already visited Leh then you'll be seeing it again from Varun's eyes, If not then don't you worry, you don't have to book your ticket to Leh, all you have to do is get your copy of 'THE STOPOVER' and let it take you to the B-E-Utiful mountains and plains of Leh and the alluring photographs are like the cherry on top.
All I can say is if I am so transfixed by the sample copy then you can understand what the original full book holds. I can't wait to get my hands on this one.
Profile Image for Kedar.
72 reviews36 followers
Want to read
September 10, 2012
I got a few sample pages from this book for a review. The following words, voice, opinions are my own.

My rating (for the pages I read): 3 stars

I won’t call myself as the clichéd “amateur photographer”, but, yes, I do love photography. In addition, I don’t believe that you have to have an SLR camera to be a photographer (although the quality is impeccable!). A capturing lens, an eye for beauty (or horror, irony, joy) in anything around you can help create lovely art. Add to that absorbing lines about the picture and things mystify further.

With The Stopover, the author manages to go several steps farther and weaves stories around stunning photographs. “4 stories, in 4 locations, brought alive with over 100 photos,” is the way this book is described.

I read the story "The Tibetan Wheel of Wisdom," revolving around Varun and his trip to Leh, Ladakh. The photographs are beautiful and the story is engrossing. At times, the pictures and story blend well (look for a picture of the ever calm Buddha, the source that strengthens the anguished and its positioning); at times one overshadows the other, while at times one orphans the other.

I wonder if this book is a gamble. After looking at an image, you perceive things very subjectively, individually. There could be a large overlap of these perceptions when two people see the same picture, but several factors add to the beauty of an image. In this case, we see the pictures and try to feel what the protagonist must be feeling. This works with some pictures, but for some you keep looking for a picture that matches the poetry created by the words and your imagination.

I would like to read the remaining stories and see how they blend with other scenic pictures and how the stories are concluded.
Profile Image for Z.
132 reviews175 followers
September 12, 2012
Disclaimer: This review is based on an extract from the book that I received from the author, with a request to review. The views expressed are my own and have not been influenced by the author or anyone else.

What I really liked about this book is that it affords you the opportunity to combine a love of reading and a love of lush imagery in one fell swoop. The story I was sent is called "The Tibetan Wheel of Wisdom" and is about a young, successful and harried advertising executive rediscovering the enchantment of everyday life on a spontaneous solo trip to Ladakh. The photographs are beautiful and (where people are featured) candid. My sense is that the pictures in the story will inspire a lot of young Indians to holiday in Ladakh, hopefully with the same kind of respect for the place that the author and photographer express.

I did have a spot of trouble with the writing. It was stilted in parts and perhaps a little too ornate and descriptive for my liking. I also didn't really feel anything for Varun, the protagonist, despite references to his recent unhappy experiences. That said, I did like the vivid re-creation of Tenzin's grandfather's escape from Tibet to India when the Chinese invaded.

The photography is the USP of this book - you can honestly look at the photos for hours on end and no doubt spin your own stories around each of them (an added bonus). But the idea of photo-fiction could go far in India, and I have a feeling this book will engender several efforts in the genre. I look forward to the rest of the photographs and stories in The Stopover.

Profile Image for Reshmi Pillai.
Author 2 books43 followers
January 13, 2013
The authors trend on an unconventional path bringing us stories from places many of us may have visited for leisure, fun and sight-seeing. Beyond those beauties lie a story sometimes of hope, sometimes of despair, sometimes even of helplessness and it took Ram’s camera and both his and Deepa’s words to bring those stories alive and talking. The stories are moving to the core and profound. Full review: http://wp.me/p2DEiS-Bu
Profile Image for TipsyMermaid GR.
1,393 reviews13 followers
January 19, 2024
Great book. Great romance. Low angst until the last 50 minutes, did not expect to cry listening to a Miles High Club book!
Single mother to 3 kids, 1 18yo and 2 younger
Profile Image for Darsana.
82 reviews113 followers
September 23, 2012
Disclaimer: I received a segment of this book from the author in exchange for an opinion. However, all my opinions are honest and in no way influenced by the author or publisher.


When I was first approached to review this books' concept, the first thought that popped into my mind was ‘What if I don’t like it?’ should I be honest about it or sugar-coat it? I realize now that all that worrying was futile. I enjoyed the first few pages of ‘The Stopover.’

The storytelling is engaging, it draws in the reader with its clever wordplay and relatable backstory. Varun seemed to me, the epitome of any 20-something year old person going through a quarter life crisis. The sudden need to get away from it all, to be in a place where you and your past are unknown is sure to strike a chord among the audiences. Add to that, these stunning moments of life that are captured in frames and the reader has just got themselves a one way ticket to Ladakh, or the other subsequent places that will be mentioned in the book. I couldn’t decide if the writing complemented the photographs or if it was the other way around. Either way, the words and the photographs seemed to take on a life of their own.
I’ve been to the Buddhist settlements in Coorg and I’m glad to say I’ve witnessed a lot of the things that are mentioned in the story. Reliving all that, through Varuns’ eyes, was just as uplifting as actually being there.

If I’m being honest, things I wish were different:

The name: I don’t think the name of the book is as likely to grab the attention of someone in a bookstore as the premise will. Hopefully, the book cover will be stunning enough for the same!I also hope the story I read did not end like that! I would be disappointed if it were so, as it would seem to be written just to make me feel like I visited Ladakh and had no content behind it. However, I am sure, even if that were the case, it would still seem enjoyable.

From what I've read, I liked it. I hope to be whisked away to another place in the latter parts of the book.
Profile Image for Aishwarya Rao.
102 reviews9 followers
Read
September 9, 2012
DISCLAIMER : I received a segment of this book in exchange for my ideas and opinions. all opinions and ideas are truly honest and not influenced by either the publisher or the author

As I child I would always pick up books with pictures in it. For me the pictures helped create the story that was forming in my mind. If the book had only words and no pictures I'd immediately put I down. I guess the child in me is still in there somwhere, because as soon as I turned to the first page I could feel that happiness that comes with seeing pictures next to writing. I have two words for the book and that's. Fab-ulous !! The images are beautiful ! I have a secret passion besides, reading and writing, and that's photography. It never occurred to me that incorporating both the fields could have such a drastic impact ! Each image helped me make the already wonderful pictures in my mind crystal clear. The storyline, from what I've read, seemed lovely. I'm not usually the kind of person who is very spiritual, this book opened my eyes to situation. The story by Tenzin's grandfather was beautiful. The words flowed together and the image created, though slightly disturbing had an Impact..the authors have clearly spent quite a lot of time researching all of the content as well as going to the places and taking the photographs. But I think that they're hard work has payed off. This is the kind of the book that people will want to read

That said, there are a few things that I'd like to mention. The storyline seemed good but the writing style was a little to fast for my lIkIng. Maybe I'm not used to such fast paced books, but at times I wondered how I managed to reach so far into the story in only a matter of 15 pages. Also I dodnt quiet like varun's transition all that much. I felt that the concept was good but the execution was just ok .

Overall I would defiantely like to give the book a try. And I guess it would be worth a recommendation.
Profile Image for Priyanka.
14 reviews1 follower
September 13, 2012
Disclaimer: I received a segment of this book from the author in exchange for an opinion. However, all my opinions are honest and in no way influenced by the author or publisher.

Rating: 3.5/5
Varun:- I could see Varun so clearly, it was like looking at someone I know(actually, a lot people I know!).
Varun is a very relatable character and I'm sure the "working-class"[ the employed ;) ] will relate to the stress at work and not being able to relax even on a vacation. Varun real, he has issues with getting to know people which is obvious from the way he thinks he'll offend Tashi if he doesn't let meet his friends.
Varun is like most of us living in the BIG city, too scared to interact, too busy to have a life!

The Story:: The story along with the pictures took me on a wonderful journey, it was beautifully told.
Did Meghna go away because Varun was always too busy and a workaholic?
The festival, the colours of the flags and the prayer wheel were very informative and interesting. I like how the part about school children, it told a completely different story.

The History:: The story that Tenzin's grandfather narrates is so cruelly beautiful. All the facts stated, so many emotions running deep it was tale told to perfection! Like Varun, I was agitated. How could they not be bitter about it? How could they be so calm about it?

Having said all that, I think that it takes a good writer too keep you interested in the story. I must confess that at first, the pictures were so wonderful that I flipped through the book to look at the pictures first but once I started reading, the story kept me going. I liked it! :)
Profile Image for Bai.
163 reviews43 followers
September 9, 2012
Disclaimer: I received a segment of this book from the author in exchange for an opinion. However, all my opinions are honest and in no way influenced by the author or publisher.

My General Opinion

A picture is worth a thousand words...and this is the concept explored in Pinto and Prakash's The Stopover. Filled with amazing photos that wonderfully depict the Indian subculture, this book takes you on a journey through pictures, the sights giving a startling impression of the Himalayan culture and Buddhist religion.

Remember a time in your childhood when picture books were the norm and stories were told through sights and sounds. Our senses brought alive the novel, much more so than words. In a way, we get back those days...

This is a concept that I believe many readers will love.

My Personal opinion:

Although the concept was great, I, personally, was not as excited. The books I read take me on a journey through my imagination. Coupled with the author's words, they create a new world that is completely my own. The presence of material things that remind me of reality defeats that purpose.

When I read a book, I like to get lost in the words...the pictures, though, amazing, did not encompass me as completely as some narratives have. Plus, I found it a tad irritating to switch from words to pictures and back again constantly.

Conclusion:

I really believe many readers will love this concept. But this book, was unfortunately, not for me.
Profile Image for Anushka.
67 reviews2 followers
September 10, 2012
Disclaimer: I received a segment of this book from the author in exchange for an opinion. However, all my opinions are honest and in no way influenced by the author or publisher.

Rating: 3.75 stars


OH MY GOD! Who thought having a picture book could be SO much fun! I mean - I am in love with the photographer already! I know, that sounds kind of lame - but well, he/she's just super awesome! Plus, the photographs simply depict the Indian subculture really well - I mean, Hi5!
Each page has a 'cool' picture which sort of has a positive aura around it, giving you peace from within. I completely adore the idea of pictures with a story - couldn't be better!
I didn't really like the story thaaat much, I mean - I don't know. It just didn't seem like my kind of story. I mean, I like the plot - but the language, at times, is just too easy. That is to say - the style of writing is lost at some points, thus - the interest (at times) fades away. Also, the pictures guided me throughout the story. It was like, I had to block my imagination just so I could cope with what the pictures wanted me to see. This was kind of irritating at times - but the photographer's talent intrigued me <3 =P
Yet, to put a period to my review, I'd say that STOPOVER is worth a read. You just can't miss the pictures accompanied by the story. And, this might just bring you lots of joy - Happy Reading :)

P.S.: Thanks Ms. Deepa Pinto, for letting me have the pleasure of reading "THE TIBETAN WHEEL OF WISDOM"
Profile Image for Crestless Wave.
Author 1 book15 followers
Want to read
September 4, 2012
Every week, I read at least two books, and try to see standpoint of the writer. To read a writer’s story, one needs to push his/her imaginations and visualize the world of their words. It often leads to misinterpretation of thoughts and, in the end, kills the imagination.
What if you don’t need to visualize?
Oh Please, don’t trouble your brain, Mr. Ram Prakash and Ms. Deepa Pinto have a solution for you, The Stopover. First of its kind, a Photo Fiction! A blend of photography and writing.
First time when I heard about this book, it reminded me of my travelogues (Biker Diaries) that always had a story behind the nomad adventures and pictures in support of it, but it was just a travelogue. “The Stopover” promise you to take on a voyage of four uncharted places through four stories with over 100 amazing photographs.
I got to read sample chapter of story “The Tibetan Wheel of Wisdom” (Courtesy Ms. Deepa Pinto), and found the story very gripping and tempting photographs made the reading a real pleasure. I must admit that it's really first time I am hearing about something like Photo-Fiction, in India or abroad. I found images on their facebook page pretty good and video trailers of the book are intriguing as well. Clear Imagination, Crisp Storyline, and Unique Concept. This concept is true to the tagline "seek beyond what the eyes see".
Release date is not yet announced but we can expect this amazing book in a nearby bookstore very soon.
Profile Image for Moushumi Ghosh.
431 reviews10 followers
October 16, 2012
Full disclosure: I read only a part of the book thanks to Deepa Pinto who asked me if I was interested in reviewing it. The opinion expressed here is entirely mine though. And it is not a complete one because I have not the whole book.

The story starts out very innocuously as a love story but then broadens its scope into a political tale. What is interesting is the visuals intelligently used to bring out the ideas in the book. I will be honest here: Tibet is a cause close to my heart. Many years back, I had joined the Free Tibet group though I am no longer active. One of the first items of membership I got from them were a friendship band in black and white wool which the organizers claimed was created by Tibetan prisoners in Chinese jails and then smuggled out to sympathizers and activists all over the world. That back story still touches me. So when I saw the front cover of the book, my first reaction was, "Oh no! Not another cliche about Tibet!" I need not have worried. The story seems to have a positive message tucked in between the electronic pages.

The writing requires some shaking up but the intent is noble and the pictures are breathtaking as only Tibet can be.

Photobooks are not quite endemic to the Indian publishing landscape. But I hope that will change with books like "The Stopover".
Profile Image for Melanie.
1 review1 follower
September 11, 2012
I really liked the first pages I was given and want to read more (:

I quite like the format, a fiction story with the appearance of a magazine article. The photographs really enhance the story. I, like many other readers I would guess, have never been anywhere near Ladakh, so they are a tremendous aid in visualizing the setting and portraying the energy of the place and people. When I read I am always transported to the scene to experience the plot unfold, but with the photographs, the scene is made concrete and real to life. For several of my friends and probably many people, visualization does not come easily and is one of the reasons they choose not to read. I can see this unity of travel photography and narrative opening up many people to the world of literature and serve to reconcile them to the treasure contained therein. The writing itself is less innovative. It seems like it may not have been the focus of the project and so is somewhat simplistic, but the plot it conveys--or at least started to in the first thirty pages--captured my interest and involved me emotionally. The developing subplot of the Tibetan diaspora is emotionally and intellectually gripping, and stole my attention away from the overlying plot of Varun's love life.
Profile Image for Anupama CN.
Author 8 books63 followers
Want to read
September 5, 2012
Disclaimer: I received a segment of this book from the author in exchange for an opinion. However, all my opinions are honest and in no way influenced by the author or publisher.

u know when readin a book, how evrytym u cum across a location or an object or even some kind of clothes for that matter, how u immediately google it!!! well with this book u do not hav to do dat coz ol of it is RYT THERE, pictorially represented ryt next to the story!
its a brilliant concept, really. i pray all the authors should start including pictures in their book. it takes the reading experience to a whole new level! it does.
combine dat with the authors writing and the intriguing stories she has to tell,this book is definite bomb!!

and i have to mention, the pictures, WOW!!! its sumthin u wud xpect to see in an art gallery!
readin this book(or atlseast the sample i got) its lyk walkin thru a gallery wer the picture are ACTUALLY tellin u a story! its awsum)

so on the whole id definitley suggest this book out to evrybody. even if the stories may not be up to ur taste, (althoh i wudn knw y coz they were really nyc), i promise u the photos u wil LOVE :)
Profile Image for Nithyaravi86.
15 reviews
September 14, 2012
Disclaimer: I was sent a few sample pages of the book by the author and my review is based on that. All opinions, however, are completely mine.

When Deepa Pinto wrote to me about the book, I was intrigued by the idea of a Fiction photo book. There are a lot of photobooks on travel, nature, science (nat geo does a lot of that and I totally love those). I wasn't quite sure how that would work for fiction. But to my surprise, it works rather well. It gave me a better picture of where the story was situated, prodded my imagination along so to speak!

The only thing that I did feel a slight disconnect with was the voice of the locals in the story that was sent to me. While I could relate with Varun, the protagonist, the people he meets in Ladakh sounded very formal and classroom-ish. Having said that I would add that I was getting rather hooked to the story of the grandfather at the point where the sample pages ended.
Profile Image for Atmika Singh.
68 reviews52 followers
October 11, 2012
I received a few pages of this book from the author for review.

I was intrigued when I heard it was a photo fiction book. I have been asking someone to do that for so long. The photographs in the books are amazing. They are beautiful and now I want to visit Ladakh more than ever.

The writing is good. Though too simple at times.
I knew some things about Tibet and Dalai Lama but it was all very general. I had no idea that the people of Tibet were subjected to such harsh treatment. It's really sad that the people were forced to give up their beliefs and religion.

The story seems promising. Varun is 20 something, workaholic and recently dumped by his girlfriend. He needs a break and decides to take a holiday to Leh. Here he makes friends and does things that he wouldn't normally do. He learns about Tibet and hears stories of pain and suffering. Will this trip change him forever?

Profile Image for Somyajeet.
144 reviews11 followers
Want to read
September 18, 2012
"Varun was realising that though he had holidayed across the globe, he had never really up to now got to know the people or culture of the places he visited. His holidays had been confined to cursory visits to the famous landmarks of the place and to relaxing amidst nature."

To most of us being a tourist means just visiting some important landmarks (To Whom?) and buying some souvenirs from roadside shops.

As much as I could gather from the few sample pages provided,THE TIBETAN WHEEL OF WISDOM, with the combination of both words and pictures, comes as a great joy to the readers. Covering subjects of unrelenting work load, streched relationships and Ladakh and its peoples,Tibetians and their pain...The author has prepared a package containing titbits for many.

One thing is sure. After reading these few pages, the book is now way up in my 'To-Read' list.

Thanks!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Manoj.
99 reviews15 followers
September 10, 2012
Disclaimer: I received a segment of this book from the author in exchange for an opinion. However, all my opinions are honest and in no way influenced by the author or publisher.

I really liked the book. Visually it was very appealing. It gives a feeling similar to reading a Nat Geo magazine. The story was very touching and engaging. I immediately got caught in the flow of the narrative. It has a definite Paulo Coelho-ish vibe.

My two pence worth of comments:-
I feel that if a few more incidents(flashbacks) about the incidents that happened between the narrator and his mate are interspersed in the storyline, it would make it more riveting, and make the reader feel more deeply for him.
Profile Image for Shilpi Jain.
100 reviews34 followers
September 19, 2012
I read the sample pages of this book sent by the author and my review is based on that

The pictures definitely make the story much more interesting, it's almost like living the story through the eyes of the narrator. Stopover is written in a travelogue style- lot of focus on the surroundings but that seems to be the theme.The narrative is tab bit slow for my taste but the story is certainly interesting,

Overall, I liked the concept, the pictures are beautiful and the story interesting, a heady mix to keep the readers engaged.
Profile Image for Alka.
381 reviews29 followers
October 9, 2012
I loved reading and seeing the 'photook'. I took the liberty to coin this word : hope no one minds.
It was all the more interesting and appealing cos of Leh Ladakh, an entire region suffused with immeasurable beauty and immense calm. I have been there and the book touched a chord deep within.
Hope the written words of collective wisdom can put an end to all violence, discrimination and anguish undrpinned to religion. This book surely would contribute.
Profile Image for Anupama K. Mazumder.
68 reviews10 followers
December 2, 2012
A lovely book with over 100 photographs that are sharp, crystal clear and alive - they talk about themselves to you, urging you to read the text, which compliments them beautifully. Its just optimal - filling the gaps in your imagination.

An excellent work by Deepa Rachel Pinto and Ram Prakash, you would be tempted to stop and take a strong look at yourself. Maybe its time to change the way you think, you live or what you think are enormous problems?
Profile Image for Naveen.
2 reviews48 followers
February 3, 2013
We really need to take time out to reinvent and rediscover ourselves .This is the message given by the four short stories in the book.
Profile Image for Shilpa Seshadri.
4 reviews3 followers
May 6, 2013
the concept of a photo book is interesting and that drew me to buy this book... the stories are simple and well complimented by the photographs..
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