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The BNO
Eight men,
Two girls,
One boys' night out
He could be the man you say hello to in the lift everyday, he could be your boss, he could be your husband.
She could be your girlfriend, your sister, or the girl-next door.
In this fast-paced novel that reveals a slice of urban life, The BNO opens the doors to the locked world of people's minds, and explores the lives of eight Mumbaikars, examining them through their sexualities and what makes them behave the way they do.
The BNO looks at how the lives of eight relationships get affected by a casual night out. From the lonely housewife to the travelling business man, the book delves into the very private lives of married couples and how a single night can alter all existing equations.
Two girls,
One boys' night out
He could be the man you say hello to in the lift everyday, he could be your boss, he could be your husband.
She could be your girlfriend, your sister, or the girl-next door.
In this fast-paced novel that reveals a slice of urban life, The BNO opens the doors to the locked world of people's minds, and explores the lives of eight Mumbaikars, examining them through their sexualities and what makes them behave the way they do.
The BNO looks at how the lives of eight relationships get affected by a casual night out. From the lonely housewife to the travelling business man, the book delves into the very private lives of married couples and how a single night can alter all existing equations.
125 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 2016
1 person is currently reading
71 people want to read
About the author
Manoj V. Jain
10 books27 followersManoj Jain has always been interested in human relationships and how they are affected by circumstances. He is an alumnus of IIM Ahmedabad and a student of Psychology. He runs his own garment exports business. He travels all over the globe, meets new people, hears interesting stories and these give him a deeper understanding of the way people think.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
March 29, 2018
I received a copy of The BNO in Goodreads Giveaway organized by The Tales Pensieve.
As a first book, Manoj Jain has definitely done a good job in showing the dark sides of the characters in The BNO and ultimately showing the dark face of urban society. The concept was indeed unique. Not something I've read before. His knowledge of psychology in people is applauding. How just one situation can affect different people's lives in different way and knitting it in a book was a good work. It turned out to be a different one. The cover is nice.
A few honest suggestions I'd like to give to improve the next editions.
A. The story could have been structured in a more compelling way.
B. The use of bracketed sentences could have been reduced because the fluency in reading the chapters was lost. (It can also seen by some readers as a unique style of writing, and experiment, which in fact, it was.)
C. Some typos can be corrected, for example I found some 'the' in place of 'they'.
It surely is an engaging read for someone who are into adult fiction. Certainly room for improvements.
Cover Art : Kudos! to Notion Press and the author for coming up with a marvelous cover page.
As a first book, Manoj Jain has definitely done a good job in showing the dark sides of the characters in The BNO and ultimately showing the dark face of urban society. The concept was indeed unique. Not something I've read before. His knowledge of psychology in people is applauding. How just one situation can affect different people's lives in different way and knitting it in a book was a good work. It turned out to be a different one. The cover is nice.
A few honest suggestions I'd like to give to improve the next editions.
A. The story could have been structured in a more compelling way.
B. The use of bracketed sentences could have been reduced because the fluency in reading the chapters was lost. (It can also seen by some readers as a unique style of writing, and experiment, which in fact, it was.)
C. Some typos can be corrected, for example I found some 'the' in place of 'they'.
It surely is an engaging read for someone who are into adult fiction. Certainly room for improvements.
Cover Art : Kudos! to Notion Press and the author for coming up with a marvelous cover page.
May 2, 2017
The Boys' Night Out by Manoj Jain was one of my serious erotica read ( ;) ). I started review-read a year back which has given me chance to read different genre.
Eight men (of age 40+) went to Pune for boys-nightout. They usually met in Mumbai for drinks and hookah-smoking. But this time they brought two girls to party for extra fun. Story started after a boys' night out in Pune. Author has narrated story from either these guys or their wives' point of view.
Detailed Review Link - http://chevusread.blogspot.com/2016/1...
Eight men (of age 40+) went to Pune for boys-nightout. They usually met in Mumbai for drinks and hookah-smoking. But this time they brought two girls to party for extra fun. Story started after a boys' night out in Pune. Author has narrated story from either these guys or their wives' point of view.
Detailed Review Link - http://chevusread.blogspot.com/2016/1...
October 21, 2016
It was a one time read. I felt adultery has been the main theme. There is no co ordination weaved between the characters and chapters. There are many places where adultery has been simply brought in between. In the thought of exaggerating adultery, I felt the story has lost its way.
May 30, 2016
Manoj is a promising writer and as a first attempt, this book is good. It begins very well and holds promise. But in the first 3 chapters it loses the plot because of bad structuring. Manoj should have hired a good editor who could structure the book differently. It rambles on about individuals interspersing with what happened at the Boys Night Out. The sex is subtle and not in your face like pornography. Given half a chance, I am sure Manoj could be raunchy. By the middle of the book I was bored because I couldn't tell where the book was headed.
When I read the last two chapters I could easily see that Manoj had tired of writing this book. He wanted to just finish it. The chapters don't hold a legitimate timeline and confuse the reader. There isn't a true climax in this book. There are a few hints of a big one coming. The last chapter left me wondering what its purpose was. The true tale was over in the previous one. Perhaps the worst let down was that there was no correlation between the first chapter that begins with a lot of promise "the girl in the office" and then is completely forgotten in the rest of the book.
The prose is eloquent and I found just one typo (which is fantastic)
When I read the last two chapters I could easily see that Manoj had tired of writing this book. He wanted to just finish it. The chapters don't hold a legitimate timeline and confuse the reader. There isn't a true climax in this book. There are a few hints of a big one coming. The last chapter left me wondering what its purpose was. The true tale was over in the previous one. Perhaps the worst let down was that there was no correlation between the first chapter that begins with a lot of promise "the girl in the office" and then is completely forgotten in the rest of the book.
The prose is eloquent and I found just one typo (which is fantastic)
May 10, 2017
Actual rating- 3.5
*This review was initially published on The Readdicts Book Blog. For more reviews, go here .
I won The BNO in a giveaway hosted by The Tales Pensieve and it had been lying on my shelves for a long time when I finally decided to pick it up because I wanted a short but engrossing read, which is exactly how the book turned out to be. Author Manoj Jain's The BNO is the story of eight people and how just one simple night affects all of them and all secrets start flowing out over the course of the 125 pages of the book. But this book isn't just about that one night. Oh no, it's about so much more and that is what made it so interesting and engrossing.
A book set in the very urban scenario of Mumbai, a bunch of friends decide to go to Pune on a special Boys Night Out because they just want to have a good time and forget about all their stresses and worries. When their wives give them their green signal (and in spite of protestation from some), they plan a very, very special night and end up doing stuff that wasn't initially planned. As a bro code or whatever, they decided to keep mum and never speak about what happened in Pune.
The BNO is divided into nine chapters that go from the third person's point of view and how that one night transgresses into so many events that end up showing the true colours of everyone. So we go from Rohan, Riddhima, Venkatesh, Myra, Akram, Geetanjali, Kulbir, Suyash and Veena to Neha. Every person's story was extremely well done and showed how real and raw emotions can be. Some of the past incidents from the lives of these people were so interesting, while others disgusting, way too unbelievable (in the sense that such stuff doesn't happen) and some purely pathetic. But that's what made the book so unique, real and fast-paced.
The way every chapter ended was so meticulously done and without saying what happened, it was clear as what would happen next and yet, there was that hint of mystery with the sudden shutting of a chapter. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and clearly, I haven't been able to do justice to it with my review which seems very confused, but trust me, this book was really good. The writing, albeit simple and clean, could have been better, but the story is really what mattered anyway. I'd recommend this one to fans of short and fast-paced books that are full of action and raw emotions, but do keep it mind that is an adult read.
*This review was initially published on The Readdicts Book Blog. For more reviews, go here .
I won The BNO in a giveaway hosted by The Tales Pensieve and it had been lying on my shelves for a long time when I finally decided to pick it up because I wanted a short but engrossing read, which is exactly how the book turned out to be. Author Manoj Jain's The BNO is the story of eight people and how just one simple night affects all of them and all secrets start flowing out over the course of the 125 pages of the book. But this book isn't just about that one night. Oh no, it's about so much more and that is what made it so interesting and engrossing.
A book set in the very urban scenario of Mumbai, a bunch of friends decide to go to Pune on a special Boys Night Out because they just want to have a good time and forget about all their stresses and worries. When their wives give them their green signal (and in spite of protestation from some), they plan a very, very special night and end up doing stuff that wasn't initially planned. As a bro code or whatever, they decided to keep mum and never speak about what happened in Pune.
The BNO is divided into nine chapters that go from the third person's point of view and how that one night transgresses into so many events that end up showing the true colours of everyone. So we go from Rohan, Riddhima, Venkatesh, Myra, Akram, Geetanjali, Kulbir, Suyash and Veena to Neha. Every person's story was extremely well done and showed how real and raw emotions can be. Some of the past incidents from the lives of these people were so interesting, while others disgusting, way too unbelievable (in the sense that such stuff doesn't happen) and some purely pathetic. But that's what made the book so unique, real and fast-paced.
The way every chapter ended was so meticulously done and without saying what happened, it was clear as what would happen next and yet, there was that hint of mystery with the sudden shutting of a chapter. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and clearly, I haven't been able to do justice to it with my review which seems very confused, but trust me, this book was really good. The writing, albeit simple and clean, could have been better, but the story is really what mattered anyway. I'd recommend this one to fans of short and fast-paced books that are full of action and raw emotions, but do keep it mind that is an adult read.
February 8, 2019
*** This was a secret Santa gift, and hence was read. ***
Not every book has a purpose, nor should it always have a purpose. The latter being the reason why this book was written, in my opinion.
If you're looking for something deeper. Or if you believe you'll find meaning. Then this book will not give you that.
But, after a tiring day if you want a medium to vent out your frustrations, or you just want to laugh, then this book might give you that.
The book journeys through the life of 9 husband-wife duo, after the husband's had a wild boys night out.
In each of the nine or so chapter, you dive into the life of that person, his/her insecurities or their desires, and how that one night tied up with those desires.
And as the book progresses, you see how the events of that night are going to unfold, to let their wives know about the BNO. The book just stops at that point, and you're left with a lingering feeling of what will happen next.
But you won't care, because it was never a book you picked up with a purpose.
This book like that one night was supposed to be just a night thing. Never to be looked at again, but happy to have atleast read.
Not every book has a purpose, nor should it always have a purpose. The latter being the reason why this book was written, in my opinion.
If you're looking for something deeper. Or if you believe you'll find meaning. Then this book will not give you that.
But, after a tiring day if you want a medium to vent out your frustrations, or you just want to laugh, then this book might give you that.
The book journeys through the life of 9 husband-wife duo, after the husband's had a wild boys night out.
In each of the nine or so chapter, you dive into the life of that person, his/her insecurities or their desires, and how that one night tied up with those desires.
And as the book progresses, you see how the events of that night are going to unfold, to let their wives know about the BNO. The book just stops at that point, and you're left with a lingering feeling of what will happen next.
But you won't care, because it was never a book you picked up with a purpose.
This book like that one night was supposed to be just a night thing. Never to be looked at again, but happy to have atleast read.
October 5, 2016
Dear Manoj Jain,
Congratulations on your debut in the publishing world, with your book The BNO, Life, Sex and Hookah.
The premise of your book sounded so interesting;
8 Men,
Two Girls,
One Boys’ Night Out (BNO)
It started off rather well too, with you using quotes from ‘Alice in Wonderland’ at the start of each chapter.
I liked how you began with introducing the first character, Rohan, till I began to think, ‘Hey! That is way too much information for page 5!’
But you know, every authors style is different and I read along. Sadly, as the story progressed and more characters were introduced, it kept getting more and more bizzare.
I agree that the title, The BNO, Life, Sex and Hookah, should have been warning enough, but despite it I found little justification for the way your characters thought, talked and behaved. What was the reason for seemingly happily married couples having perverted sides and cheating on their spouses? Is having a tough professional life or a strict upbringing reason enough to cheat on a marriage?
Your book made me sad, Mr Jain, as it made me wonder if this this the ‘hidden side’ of most people? Also,why should Surili suffer the miscarriage of a much-longed for child? Why should Veena kill her herself and why should Venkatesh cheat a supportive and trusting wife.
And about Riddhima lusting after her driver! I was speechless. With disgust!
In your Authors Note you specify that ‘all characters are imaginary (as are the situations). It is likely, however, for you to find traces of yourself in some of the characters, a side that you have kept private.’ I certainly didn’t, as all the characters came across as kinky and proud of their debauchery!
Your writing style is good and engaging, Mr Jain. Hope you choose a better premise for your next book. Wishing you all the best.
I received a copy of your book from The Tales Pensieve in return for an honest review, and here it is.
Congratulations on your debut in the publishing world, with your book The BNO, Life, Sex and Hookah.
The premise of your book sounded so interesting;
8 Men,
Two Girls,
One Boys’ Night Out (BNO)
It started off rather well too, with you using quotes from ‘Alice in Wonderland’ at the start of each chapter.
I liked how you began with introducing the first character, Rohan, till I began to think, ‘Hey! That is way too much information for page 5!’
But you know, every authors style is different and I read along. Sadly, as the story progressed and more characters were introduced, it kept getting more and more bizzare.
I agree that the title, The BNO, Life, Sex and Hookah, should have been warning enough, but despite it I found little justification for the way your characters thought, talked and behaved. What was the reason for seemingly happily married couples having perverted sides and cheating on their spouses? Is having a tough professional life or a strict upbringing reason enough to cheat on a marriage?
Your book made me sad, Mr Jain, as it made me wonder if this this the ‘hidden side’ of most people? Also,why should Surili suffer the miscarriage of a much-longed for child? Why should Veena kill her herself and why should Venkatesh cheat a supportive and trusting wife.
And about Riddhima lusting after her driver! I was speechless. With disgust!
In your Authors Note you specify that ‘all characters are imaginary (as are the situations). It is likely, however, for you to find traces of yourself in some of the characters, a side that you have kept private.’ I certainly didn’t, as all the characters came across as kinky and proud of their debauchery!
Your writing style is good and engaging, Mr Jain. Hope you choose a better premise for your next book. Wishing you all the best.
I received a copy of your book from The Tales Pensieve in return for an honest review, and here it is.
September 7, 2016
This book is a collection of 9 chapters with several main characters including Rohan, Riddhima, Venkatesh, Myra, Akram, Geetanjali, Kulbir, Suyash, Veena and Neha.
The story brings out the harsh truth of the otherwise concealed face of many in the society. Though I wouldn't say it is predominantly present,but the way, the story was written makes me feel that it had happened elsewhere. Eventually, even the author was asked the same question whether this did happen and he said a big NO.
I could also connect this story with a kollywood movie called "Panchatanthiram" which was enacted by Kamal Hassan, Ramesh Aravind, Jayaram, Suman and Yugi Sethu. However the story of this movie is completely different when compared to this story and I can also say that if this was made as a movie, it would for sure, receive "Critics Award" as there are lot to speak about this.
It all begins with a Boys Night Out and the sequence of events. These guys were known to each other but comes from a different background with each having their own priorities. The story revolves around the presence of sexual abuse, sexual pleasure, seeking pleasure in worldly things, illegal relationships coupled with marriage, responsibility, society and status.
It also talks about gay relationship and how the call girls were treated. Well, I do not want to go deep into it because the subject itself is to deep and it requires a careful reading t understand the real essence.
If you would like to explore your darker of it through this book, go for it as it would match each and every expectation of yours....
I got this book for FREE under Goodreads Free Book Review Program!!
The story brings out the harsh truth of the otherwise concealed face of many in the society. Though I wouldn't say it is predominantly present,but the way, the story was written makes me feel that it had happened elsewhere. Eventually, even the author was asked the same question whether this did happen and he said a big NO.
I could also connect this story with a kollywood movie called "Panchatanthiram" which was enacted by Kamal Hassan, Ramesh Aravind, Jayaram, Suman and Yugi Sethu. However the story of this movie is completely different when compared to this story and I can also say that if this was made as a movie, it would for sure, receive "Critics Award" as there are lot to speak about this.
It all begins with a Boys Night Out and the sequence of events. These guys were known to each other but comes from a different background with each having their own priorities. The story revolves around the presence of sexual abuse, sexual pleasure, seeking pleasure in worldly things, illegal relationships coupled with marriage, responsibility, society and status.
It also talks about gay relationship and how the call girls were treated. Well, I do not want to go deep into it because the subject itself is to deep and it requires a careful reading t understand the real essence.
If you would like to explore your darker of it through this book, go for it as it would match each and every expectation of yours....
I got this book for FREE under Goodreads Free Book Review Program!!
August 30, 2016
Please visit http://www.guptakaushal.in/2016/08/bo... to read the complete review of the book.
Everyone in this world has a darker side, hidden from everyone, out of the sheer fear of losing the credibility, people and the superficial appearance.
Under the influence of modernization with minimal resistance to technology, relationships and trust which are supposed to go hand in hand, are often found punching the other in the face.
I recently read The BNO (Sex, Life and Hookah), a book by debut author Manoj Jain. Before you start guessing what BNO stands for, it is the acronym for Boys Night Out, quite an everyday life name? I can see you nodding your head there.
As evident from the title, the story revolves around that one boys night out, the past of it and the future, involving sex, life and hookah where all three represent human emotions and behavior too. All 8 men, who were a part of it are best of the friends and married.
Though all the chapters are related to the characters who in turn are related to each other but somewhere in between, the flow and relevance are missed, some characters are introduced and when you think that they will play a crucial role, they leave you mid way.
I would recommend The BNO (Sex, Life and Hookah) to anyone interested in reading adult fiction, or stories surrounded by the topic of human psychology.
Everyone in this world has a darker side, hidden from everyone, out of the sheer fear of losing the credibility, people and the superficial appearance.
Under the influence of modernization with minimal resistance to technology, relationships and trust which are supposed to go hand in hand, are often found punching the other in the face.
I recently read The BNO (Sex, Life and Hookah), a book by debut author Manoj Jain. Before you start guessing what BNO stands for, it is the acronym for Boys Night Out, quite an everyday life name? I can see you nodding your head there.
As evident from the title, the story revolves around that one boys night out, the past of it and the future, involving sex, life and hookah where all three represent human emotions and behavior too. All 8 men, who were a part of it are best of the friends and married.
Though all the chapters are related to the characters who in turn are related to each other but somewhere in between, the flow and relevance are missed, some characters are introduced and when you think that they will play a crucial role, they leave you mid way.
I would recommend The BNO (Sex, Life and Hookah) to anyone interested in reading adult fiction, or stories surrounded by the topic of human psychology.
Read
July 30, 2016Book Review: The BNO: Sex, Life And Hookah by Manoj Jain
Dont go categorizing men after reading this one.
The author is interested in psychology and a keen observer of human patterns and behaviors is very clear from chapter one. The whole book is based on these patterns of humans, their sexuality, fantasies, habits, fetishes,...
It makes one introspect about our own thought process. The author shows proves the Freudian theory, that the unconscious mind governs behavior to a greater degree than people suspect.
Read full review:
http://grabthebook.blogspot.in/2016/0...
Dont go categorizing men after reading this one.
The author is interested in psychology and a keen observer of human patterns and behaviors is very clear from chapter one. The whole book is based on these patterns of humans, their sexuality, fantasies, habits, fetishes,...
It makes one introspect about our own thought process. The author shows proves the Freudian theory, that the unconscious mind governs behavior to a greater degree than people suspect.
Read full review:
http://grabthebook.blogspot.in/2016/0...
September 21, 2016
I received a copy of BNO as a giveaway by Tales pensieve.
Quite a short and compact book so finished it really fast.
A very catchy title.Well written preface.A very creative cover and above all a great beginning.What else can you expect an author's virgin book.Ofcourse the story is relatable and thought provoking.However all attempts fall flat because of the ending.As the story progresses,the book becomes a little sluggish and sloppy at times though it manages to hold interest.The author has addressed several important but sensitive issues but they are too many hence the focus keeps shifting and ultimately no definite conclusion is achieved.Hence the story and author both display potential but it remains underutilized.
Quite a short and compact book so finished it really fast.
A very catchy title.Well written preface.A very creative cover and above all a great beginning.What else can you expect an author's virgin book.Ofcourse the story is relatable and thought provoking.However all attempts fall flat because of the ending.As the story progresses,the book becomes a little sluggish and sloppy at times though it manages to hold interest.The author has addressed several important but sensitive issues but they are too many hence the focus keeps shifting and ultimately no definite conclusion is achieved.Hence the story and author both display potential but it remains underutilized.
April 18, 2016
A fast-paced book for urban people. The narration is excellent, and one can finish it in one go. A must read book.
Full review: https://booksmylifeblog.wordpress.com...
Full review: https://booksmylifeblog.wordpress.com...
June 14, 2016
The BNO should be read for the sheer courage of Manoj Jain to write without any reluctance. The sheer brilliance to write without making the reader feel vulgar. A quality very few authors possess.
Please find my full review on
http://hetikasanghani.blogspot.in/201...
Please find my full review on
http://hetikasanghani.blogspot.in/201...
March 27, 2016
Really well written and engaging book. The author's keen ability to sketch characters and tell a story is evident.
Look forward to his second book!
Look forward to his second book!
September 26, 2016
Well I was expecting an interesting story but it turned out as story of desperate couples. I left book as DNF after reading 70%.
October 29, 2016
An take on the dark side of the human nature of an ordinary man.
An extraordinary story set in in ordinary and mundane backdrop.
Received a free copy via goodreads give away.
An extraordinary story set in in ordinary and mundane backdrop.
Received a free copy via goodreads give away.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews