Life is a journey from birth to death and like any other journey, it occurs in a series of events. Time passes by and we find ourselves on a new phase before we can even comprehend the end of the one we had just lived! The journey has its ups and downs – at times we feel like time couldn't have been better and at times, even the purpose of being alive remains lost on us. Different events have different effects on us – some affect us drastically while others simply wave at us as they pass by. These events are like pebbles – each having a different shape, a different color...
Madhu Kalyan is an IT professional from Hyderabad, India, born on 16th January 1989. He is a philanthropist, traveler and pursues writing as a hobby. Sensitive and observant, everything that happens around him is an inspiration to do something new. His knowledge in the world of technology has earned him appreciation and success and he now considers writing his new passion. He is Founder and CEO of a start-up company, Green Turtle Software Solutions.
"Pebbles: Different faces of life" by Mr Madhu Kalyan Mattaparthi and with contributions by Miss Gunjan Vyas was given to me in exchange for an honest review but I need to stress that if I had found the book by chance I would give it the same enthusiastic write up as I am about to do now. This has been a highlight of my recent reading list without the shadow of a doubt.
The stories in this book are wonderful reflections on life as it is: The ambiguous feelings of a daughter towards her father, the coping of your mind in the adversity of street crime, death and terrorism, seemingly impossible love, rejection, violence and also in the face of unconditional love.
Each one of the stories has touched me in its own charming or thoughtful way. The authors write with such beautiful and simple prose that is very powerful and got right under my skin. I felt deeply moved. There is a little moral message in each of the stories that made me stop with amazement at the maturity and sophistication of the authors that is presented in such unpretentious and understated ways.
Be amazed by this wonderful and magic collection, be saddened, inspired, consoled and cry in despair with the characters. It was very unusual for me (as with most short stories) to get involved in the characters so quickly and to feel so deeply for them.
Pebbles by Madhu Kalyan Mattaparthi is a beautifully written compilation of short stories. Very emotional and pulls at the heart strings.
Life is a Journey from birth to death and the unconditional love of some of the stories to the meaning of life and death in others is very insightful. "Breathing" "Sea Turtles" and "Misfortune's Child" are just a few that will haunt you and with the deeper messages in all the stories. I found that I connected to several.
I was gifted this copy by the author for an honest review. Honestly I plan on gifting this wonderful book to some others. I think they will benefit and relate as well. In each story you are quickly invested in the characters and can feel the pain and love and the inspiration.
Marvelously written and I highly recommend "Pebbles Different Faces of Life" 5 stars
Pebbles by Madhu Kalyan & Gunjan Vyas is a wonderful collection of stories. Each one feels like an extract from life. Filled with lovely sentiment and strong emotion. Penned with such smooth voices that you end up feeling as if you have just glimpsed into the lives of real people and on a deeply personal level. I loved 'The Perfect Father' and I really enjoyed the animal perspective of 'Survival' and the whole book is beautifully crowned by 'Dinner With Stranger' a moving and romantic tale. Pebbles is an inspiring collection that I am sure to peruse often.
First of all, I love the cover of this book. It very much suits the contents of this lovely and thought-provoking book. "Pebbles" is a wonderful compilation of short stories which is sure to tug at the reader's heartstrings. They certainly tugged at mine. Each one is a separate story sharing a personal experience, some true...some fictional, and how each affected the writer's life. For example, The Imperfect Father", is the story of a college student by the name of Moksha who has been raised by a deaf and dumb father, Das. When he goes with her for a parent teacher interview, he handles himself very well. However, a fellow female student of his daughter, decides to shame her while mocking him and his physical disabilities. The next day when Moksha returns to school she is ganged up on and humiliated by several other students. She cannot handle the pain and decides to commit suicide. You will not want to miss this heart wrenching story to discover for yourself if she succeeds in taking her own life or not and the devastating consequences of her actions. Moksha soon realizes "No one is perfect in this world and the one that accepts his weaknesses with grace and courage is a true hero."
There are several more stories just wanting to reach out and grab at your heartstrings. I was very moved by the true love story between Fatima and Steve. I can vividly picture Fatima sitting on the bench in the park patiently waiting for Steve's return...the love of her life...the one and only as there could never be another. And then, there is Ramu...a young boy of approximately ten years old and the conversation he has in the hospital with a perfect stranger. His sister has cancer and he has no idea what cancer is and the life threatening danger it poses. His innocence will bring tears to your eyes.
I could go on and on and tell the gist of each story but it would be pointless to describe each one in detail and the affect they had on me because that would steal from your own enjoyment of reading each of them for yourself. I can only recommend and strongly suggest that you read this little gem of a book with all its captivating short stories and find your own pleasure in their messages. I am sure they will touch your heart in much the same way they have touched mine.
I commend the authors of this book for coming up with this great compilation... they where able to touch the heart of their readers through words that makes you see each and every scenery in the story. I can't help but be affected, specially by my two favorites- The Imperfect Father and Misfortune Child...it's as if you're one with the story...feeling it as if you are there...all the stories are worth your time reading/reflecting on. This could be an eye opener to some of the worlds biggest problems...congratulations and good luck.... will be waiting for the next book..!
Ever read one of those Indian love stories? Can you recall how they pulled at your heart strings? This book takes you through the same sensation on a heightened level. Madhu Kalyan Mattaparthi writes with such sensitivity that you just wonder what inspires him. The stories in 'Pebbles' induce such strong emotions that they will very nearly drive you to the point of tears. One of the best thought-provoking books I've come across in a while.
Some books have the power to move you and create a connection to the reader – Pebbles by Madhu Kalyan Mattaparthi and Gunjan Vyas is one of those books. The stories found memories and experiences within me that I’d forgotten. It’s a beautifully written collection of special and emotional stories that should be shared, reread and contemplated. What a find – highly recommended – 5-stars!