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Breathing Two Worlds
Neena Arya, a Delhi-born goes abroad for further studies and decides to settle down there. Determined to be a 'somebody' from a 'nobody' she blends with the Americans via the accent and their mannerisms while having a live-in relationship with her European boyfriend, Adan Somoza.
When illness hits home, Neena rushes to meet her ailing dad. Tragedy strikes and amidst the mingling with relatives and friends, she finds herself suffocated with the two different cultures that she has been breathing since she moved to the United States. How will she strike a balance between both the cultures as she continues to support her widowed mother? Will she be able to do justice to her personal and professional life after the loss?
Amidst the adjusting she bonds with an ally and learns about ties beyond blood. On what grounds will she be able to form an invisible thread that she has longed for since childhood?
Breathing Two Worlds ventures into cultures and ethnicity allowing Neena to ponder upon her foundation and priorities.
When illness hits home, Neena rushes to meet her ailing dad. Tragedy strikes and amidst the mingling with relatives and friends, she finds herself suffocated with the two different cultures that she has been breathing since she moved to the United States. How will she strike a balance between both the cultures as she continues to support her widowed mother? Will she be able to do justice to her personal and professional life after the loss?
Amidst the adjusting she bonds with an ally and learns about ties beyond blood. On what grounds will she be able to form an invisible thread that she has longed for since childhood?
Breathing Two Worlds ventures into cultures and ethnicity allowing Neena to ponder upon her foundation and priorities.
177 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 24, 2017
19 people are currently reading
10 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
October 5, 2017
Loved the plot and the thought behind the story.
‘Breathing two worlds, such an apt title for this book and the author has done complete justice to the title and to the premise of the book that she set out to write about.
Neena is a young Indian girl from a middle class family, the only daughter of an army officer. Her mother and grandmother have taught her the cultural and domestic aspects of life while her father has given her the training and wings to fly to conquer the world in her chosen country and field. The story has been narrated in the third person. As the author says that Neena stepped into the United States as a Nobody and determines to be a some body. She is very observant and learns the values and culture of the adopted country real well and also becomes very accomplished in her work too. She has a boyfriend Adan who is a very loving person. Both Neena and Adan are in love with each other and accepting of each other’s background and choices in life. Adan though trained in technology is still searching for his calling or purpose in life and is working at a bar. The happy life of Neena and Adan comes to a standstill when Neena come to know that her father is battling a life threatening illness and has very few weeks to live. Will their relationship stay strong when Adan has to travel to India with Neena? How does Adan react to India’s conservative lifestyle and different family values? What do Neena’s parents and relatives say to Adan’s presence in Neena’s life?
All these aspects are so maturely dealt with in this story. The emotions, the angst and the feelings of each and every character in the story are very vividly described. The description of the scenes and events when Neena makes her visit to India are so very relatable. The differences in both Adan’s family and Neena’s family are so neatly described without ever being judgemental or negative to either culture. It just IS. That’s so very very important in today’s time and age where the family structure and dynamics are changing especially in families with multiple ethnicities. Kudos to the author for having dealt with this topic so maturely without becoming critical of any or both families.
‘Breathing two worlds, such an apt title for this book and the author has done complete justice to the title and to the premise of the book that she set out to write about.
Neena is a young Indian girl from a middle class family, the only daughter of an army officer. Her mother and grandmother have taught her the cultural and domestic aspects of life while her father has given her the training and wings to fly to conquer the world in her chosen country and field. The story has been narrated in the third person. As the author says that Neena stepped into the United States as a Nobody and determines to be a some body. She is very observant and learns the values and culture of the adopted country real well and also becomes very accomplished in her work too. She has a boyfriend Adan who is a very loving person. Both Neena and Adan are in love with each other and accepting of each other’s background and choices in life. Adan though trained in technology is still searching for his calling or purpose in life and is working at a bar. The happy life of Neena and Adan comes to a standstill when Neena come to know that her father is battling a life threatening illness and has very few weeks to live. Will their relationship stay strong when Adan has to travel to India with Neena? How does Adan react to India’s conservative lifestyle and different family values? What do Neena’s parents and relatives say to Adan’s presence in Neena’s life?
All these aspects are so maturely dealt with in this story. The emotions, the angst and the feelings of each and every character in the story are very vividly described. The description of the scenes and events when Neena makes her visit to India are so very relatable. The differences in both Adan’s family and Neena’s family are so neatly described without ever being judgemental or negative to either culture. It just IS. That’s so very very important in today’s time and age where the family structure and dynamics are changing especially in families with multiple ethnicities. Kudos to the author for having dealt with this topic so maturely without becoming critical of any or both families.
June 28, 2017
Breathing Two Worlds is a straightforward story of Neena, a Delhi girl. She ventures out into the world by going abroad for her higher studies and then decides to settle down there. When her father’s health deteriorates, she comes back to India.
Neena is a modern age girl with values. As she sees the more and more of the world around her, she adjusts accordingly. She is a strong girl with mostly a pragmatic approach to life. As we see her in different settings, we see her struggling to maintain a balance on all aspects of her life. I know that it is difficult to go to a foreign country and to accept and settle in to their ways of life. Then to come back after a while to the culture that she was born to but something so different from what she was trying to settle in… It is a huge step. From balancing out the different cultures to balancing her personal and professional life – one needs a great amount of strength and will power for it. The question is whether Neena will manage it or not. Well you will have to read the book to find out.
It is noticeable that I am only talking about Neena and not any other character from the book. It is because thought there are quite a few characters in the book, none of them are in the spotlight. They are there to provide some depth to Neena’s life and that is all. This book is essentially about Neena alone. The book is well narrated and properly paced. The ending seemed slightly rushed.
Over all, it is an interesting read for contemporary lovers.
Neena is a modern age girl with values. As she sees the more and more of the world around her, she adjusts accordingly. She is a strong girl with mostly a pragmatic approach to life. As we see her in different settings, we see her struggling to maintain a balance on all aspects of her life. I know that it is difficult to go to a foreign country and to accept and settle in to their ways of life. Then to come back after a while to the culture that she was born to but something so different from what she was trying to settle in… It is a huge step. From balancing out the different cultures to balancing her personal and professional life – one needs a great amount of strength and will power for it. The question is whether Neena will manage it or not. Well you will have to read the book to find out.
It is noticeable that I am only talking about Neena and not any other character from the book. It is because thought there are quite a few characters in the book, none of them are in the spotlight. They are there to provide some depth to Neena’s life and that is all. This book is essentially about Neena alone. The book is well narrated and properly paced. The ending seemed slightly rushed.
Over all, it is an interesting read for contemporary lovers.
July 8, 2017
The author is known to base her story on philosophy and practicality of life, and 'Breathing Two Worlds' does full justice to the theme of different culture of people settling in amidst another culture. The difficulties and dilemmas faced by these people has been dealt with expertly. A nice read.
July 11, 2017
Ruchira your books are really good to read that will make wonder in delight .
Breathing Two World is book that brought the truth about Indians and their fascination towards the "Goras".
Neena Arya is one such individual she is frustrated with her life and family and so when life gives an opportunity to go off shores she takes it and runs away to the foreign shores .There she gels well with westerners and earns brownie point in form of European beau
Now when her father falls sick she comes back to her roots and is stunned to see change in Indian thinking especially Nikhil thinking.
Reading Neena story I could feel Neena attraction towards Goras..and degradation of Indian values and feelings.
Her European beau .. is confused.
Neena is tied between duty and love which is quiet impossible to get .
Breathing Two worlds is all about acceptance.
*Foreigners would not know what being a true Indian is all about.
So this book "Breathing Two Worlds gets 5 stars".
Breathing Two World is book that brought the truth about Indians and their fascination towards the "Goras".
Neena Arya is one such individual she is frustrated with her life and family and so when life gives an opportunity to go off shores she takes it and runs away to the foreign shores .There she gels well with westerners and earns brownie point in form of European beau
Now when her father falls sick she comes back to her roots and is stunned to see change in Indian thinking especially Nikhil thinking.
Reading Neena story I could feel Neena attraction towards Goras..and degradation of Indian values and feelings.
Her European beau .. is confused.
Neena is tied between duty and love which is quiet impossible to get .
Breathing Two worlds is all about acceptance.
*Foreigners would not know what being a true Indian is all about.
So this book "Breathing Two Worlds gets 5 stars".
January 8, 2018
This is the first book that I have read by the author, Ruchira Khanna, and it had an appealing title - quite appropriate for the story which is about being caught between two diverse cultures and wanting them both.
The storyline was true to the title and to the blurb and I found it enjoyable.
Bold Indian-born lass, Neena, is working abroad and has a live-in boyfriend - a handsome European called Adan - who is quite devoted to her. What luck! Much of the story revolves around their romance and the love story develops neatly to the point where they want to get married.
I was a bit disappointed that though there was a genuine warmth in their relationship, there was no chemistry - despite them living together, they didn't make love more than once in the entire book. I lament this not because I am a voyeur but because one of the major outcomes of moving in together - that one would expect from a young couple at the start of their live-in chapter - is a fair amount of passion and sex. Although it would have lent credence to the theme of 'living in', I am guessing that the author did not mean the book to be about sex but about culture and diversity and filial duty - and all these things have been shown quite well through the storyline.
A crisis with Neena's father's health forces Neena's hand and the couple travels to India - the story ends with blessings to the young couple from both sets of parents before unfortunate events overtake them - of course, you'll have to read the book to know what happens - I'm not about to let the cat out of the bag.
I wish the editing had been crisper - but other than that, do read if you want to experience the world from two perspectives - that of an Indian living in India and of the same Indian living abroad.
The storyline was true to the title and to the blurb and I found it enjoyable.
Bold Indian-born lass, Neena, is working abroad and has a live-in boyfriend - a handsome European called Adan - who is quite devoted to her. What luck! Much of the story revolves around their romance and the love story develops neatly to the point where they want to get married.
I was a bit disappointed that though there was a genuine warmth in their relationship, there was no chemistry - despite them living together, they didn't make love more than once in the entire book. I lament this not because I am a voyeur but because one of the major outcomes of moving in together - that one would expect from a young couple at the start of their live-in chapter - is a fair amount of passion and sex. Although it would have lent credence to the theme of 'living in', I am guessing that the author did not mean the book to be about sex but about culture and diversity and filial duty - and all these things have been shown quite well through the storyline.
A crisis with Neena's father's health forces Neena's hand and the couple travels to India - the story ends with blessings to the young couple from both sets of parents before unfortunate events overtake them - of course, you'll have to read the book to know what happens - I'm not about to let the cat out of the bag.
I wish the editing had been crisper - but other than that, do read if you want to experience the world from two perspectives - that of an Indian living in India and of the same Indian living abroad.
September 26, 2017
This book is about the story of Neena Arya, who goes abroad for higher studies and decides to settle down there…Neena grows up hearing stories mythological stories and is portrayed as strong and independent girl..She is professionally successful and blends well with others in a foreign country..She has a live in relationship with her boyfriend Adan!!
Neena finds it difficult to manage the two different cultures and whether she strikes a balance forms the rest of story!!
Overall, I feel this book is a light read and interesting one!!!
My rating for this book is 3.5/5.
Please read my full review at:
https://sadhuvi.wordpress.com/2017/09...
Neena finds it difficult to manage the two different cultures and whether she strikes a balance forms the rest of story!!
Overall, I feel this book is a light read and interesting one!!!
My rating for this book is 3.5/5.
Please read my full review at:
https://sadhuvi.wordpress.com/2017/09...
May 27, 2017
This cover does need a redo so will update once the author has finalised this.
This is my next review read that I had free from the author for an unbiased review. The copy I got still needs smoothing out so I need to review on story only and not editing as it's still being processed.
Starts out with Neena leaving India for America. A great start but it jumps to a fully settled Neena in America after. I would have liked more of Neena's adjustments in a strange new world.
The writing style is a little disjointed with the translation but I think it gives it more feeling of Neena and the way she thinks and talks and to have it professionally translated might take away the connection to Neena.
A heartfelt story of adjusting to a new life as well as maintaining Neena's culture.
This is my next review read that I had free from the author for an unbiased review. The copy I got still needs smoothing out so I need to review on story only and not editing as it's still being processed.
Starts out with Neena leaving India for America. A great start but it jumps to a fully settled Neena in America after. I would have liked more of Neena's adjustments in a strange new world.
The writing style is a little disjointed with the translation but I think it gives it more feeling of Neena and the way she thinks and talks and to have it professionally translated might take away the connection to Neena.
A heartfelt story of adjusting to a new life as well as maintaining Neena's culture.
September 25, 2017
Miss Neena Arya , the main protagonist of the book, is a Delhi based girl, who flies to the US for further studies and to follow the American Dream.
In a short span of four years, she managed to find a place of her own in the city of New York through sheer hard work and dedication. She also has an American beau,
whose parents were originally from Spain. Life goes on as usual for Miss. Neena in the US with a packed and hectic schedule.
It’s only when she gets a call from her mom back in India, informing her of her father’s deteriorating health, that Miss Neena’s life takes a sharp turn. She visits India with her Spanish-American boyfriend, and what happens thereafter form the crux of the story. The two weeks in India changes both their lives for ever.
Mrs. Khanna narrates the story in third person leading the reader to both a visual and emotional journey as the story progresses. We travel with the couple to India, we understand the cultural diversity and we pity Neena as she tries to battle with herself on many issues. There is the logical side that she is so used to in her life in the US, versus the social side that she needs to comply to, so that her parents are not hurt. Father’s illness and the scene in the hospital are dramatic and gripping, and I found myself shedding a few tears as I read on. Mrs Khanna has definitely struck a chord with the readers and many instances are engaging and relatable.
Overall a very good read. Not just for the story. But the book makes you think, ponder and helps one to see a big picture about life. It is indeed a refreshing read.
In a short span of four years, she managed to find a place of her own in the city of New York through sheer hard work and dedication. She also has an American beau,
whose parents were originally from Spain. Life goes on as usual for Miss. Neena in the US with a packed and hectic schedule.
It’s only when she gets a call from her mom back in India, informing her of her father’s deteriorating health, that Miss Neena’s life takes a sharp turn. She visits India with her Spanish-American boyfriend, and what happens thereafter form the crux of the story. The two weeks in India changes both their lives for ever.
Mrs. Khanna narrates the story in third person leading the reader to both a visual and emotional journey as the story progresses. We travel with the couple to India, we understand the cultural diversity and we pity Neena as she tries to battle with herself on many issues. There is the logical side that she is so used to in her life in the US, versus the social side that she needs to comply to, so that her parents are not hurt. Father’s illness and the scene in the hospital are dramatic and gripping, and I found myself shedding a few tears as I read on. Mrs Khanna has definitely struck a chord with the readers and many instances are engaging and relatable.
Overall a very good read. Not just for the story. But the book makes you think, ponder and helps one to see a big picture about life. It is indeed a refreshing read.
October 19, 2017
Is it easy to settle in a foreign land? There is so much craze to go to USA or Canada or Europe to earn and settle. Indians (especially Punjabis) are crazy to go abroad and to be called NRIs. But is it all hunky dory?
Neena a Delhi girl goes abroad and meets Adan. They hit it off and when she comes back to India, she feels trapped between two cultures.
The language is lucid and crisp. This book has a message that we have to take the best of two cultures. Clash of east and west is old and both civilizations have good and bad traits. It is up to us to choose. 3.5/ 5 stars.
Neena a Delhi girl goes abroad and meets Adan. They hit it off and when she comes back to India, she feels trapped between two cultures.
The language is lucid and crisp. This book has a message that we have to take the best of two cultures. Clash of east and west is old and both civilizations have good and bad traits. It is up to us to choose. 3.5/ 5 stars.
February 13, 2018
The best thing I like about Ruchira Khanna's book is the positive vibe I get. A very good story teller, she uses this medium always to pass a message to her readers. I resonated a lot with Breathing Two Worlds since after marriage I too witnessed my life adjusting to another culture. Ruchira has brought that out well. Neena is a very well rounded character. Adan's character comes across as strong and compliments Neena's character.
Read
October 20, 2017Intriguing title and a different, thoughtful concept/plot.
I liked the way the author has portrayed an independent woman.
Read the full review on my blog: http://tarangsinha.blogspot.in/2017/1...
I liked the way the author has portrayed an independent woman.
Read the full review on my blog: http://tarangsinha.blogspot.in/2017/1...
October 5, 2017
Every Indian thinks of settling abroad, especially in the USA. But as they say ‘one can take an Indian outside India, but can you take India out of Indian?’
This story is of Neena Arya, who moves from New Delhi to New York when she finds a job there. But though she gets adapted to the lifestyle of the foreign land, still she cares and follows traditions and values of India.
The story mainly deals with her dilemma and conflict of emotions she feels when she faces situations, both in her homeland and foreign land.
Also, I would appreciate author Ruchira Khanna for pointing out one important matter which is relevant to the present situation, through this story. And that important point is never to trust any doctor or his qualification blindly.
Though I loved reading Breathing Two Worlds I was little disappointed with some editing errors in the story. For example, in some places, Neena’s father is named as Neal while in some Neil. Also, some spelling and punctuation errors could have been avoided with tight editing.
But these errors can be ignored given such a loving, strong and thought-provoking story that author Ruchira Khanna has delivered through Breathing Two Worlds.
This story is of Neena Arya, who moves from New Delhi to New York when she finds a job there. But though she gets adapted to the lifestyle of the foreign land, still she cares and follows traditions and values of India.
The story mainly deals with her dilemma and conflict of emotions she feels when she faces situations, both in her homeland and foreign land.
Also, I would appreciate author Ruchira Khanna for pointing out one important matter which is relevant to the present situation, through this story. And that important point is never to trust any doctor or his qualification blindly.
Though I loved reading Breathing Two Worlds I was little disappointed with some editing errors in the story. For example, in some places, Neena’s father is named as Neal while in some Neil. Also, some spelling and punctuation errors could have been avoided with tight editing.
But these errors can be ignored given such a loving, strong and thought-provoking story that author Ruchira Khanna has delivered through Breathing Two Worlds.
June 29, 2017
Breathing two worlds is the story of headstrong, ambitious and Independent woman Neena, who is confused between the Indian and the American cultures as she grows up in India with different values and studies and works in the US following an independent life adapting to that culture. Neena chooses Adan as her life partner and starts a live-in relationship against her culture. Though it is easy for her to impress Adan's parents, she couldn't reveal her love to her parents until her Father's death and she is worried about the differences between the values and ethnicity of two worlds (India and US).
She gets more clarity on the purpose of her life when she works as a volunteer in a hospital and helps a veteran Mr.Khan to reunite with his daughter who is separated by the cultural clash.
The book talks about many people who live/ grow up/ study/ work in another state, adapting to another culture and still struggling to retain their home country's cultures and values. Though the subject of the book is great, I felt, it is stretched a lot. I liked only the last 1/4th portion of the book. The writing style is very casual and it is a light read. I felt like there is something missing in the book because of which I couldn't understand the feelings of Neena better. The characterization of Adan is impressive and that of his sister Chamorro is lovely.
A few lines from the book that talks about the two worlds:
“In States, I don’t even know my neighbor while I am expected to share a
cup of sugar with my near-by resident in India. People don’t have the time to judge
in the US, but it’s totally the opposite in the country of my birth. As an individual, we
can’t express our emotions as wholeheartedly in India since people are concerned of
the wagging tongues. We have to have a decent job, a respectable title, and a
generous amount of ‘latest’ materialistic collection for a ‘status’ in the society. While
I have observed that my colleagues are at liberty to live their life. They can do
whatever they want, be whatsoever in their life, party like an animal as if there is no
tomorrow. Unfortunately, that was not the case for me. I was monitored like a hawk
24*7.”
Culture and ethics bind us as a family, and since America is a
region of immigrants there is a tendency to get lost in its’ diversity making the
upbringing of the child very confusing.
My Rating: 3/5
Ps: I have received this book from the author in exchange for a review and this is my honest opinion on the book.
She gets more clarity on the purpose of her life when she works as a volunteer in a hospital and helps a veteran Mr.Khan to reunite with his daughter who is separated by the cultural clash.
The book talks about many people who live/ grow up/ study/ work in another state, adapting to another culture and still struggling to retain their home country's cultures and values. Though the subject of the book is great, I felt, it is stretched a lot. I liked only the last 1/4th portion of the book. The writing style is very casual and it is a light read. I felt like there is something missing in the book because of which I couldn't understand the feelings of Neena better. The characterization of Adan is impressive and that of his sister Chamorro is lovely.
A few lines from the book that talks about the two worlds:
“In States, I don’t even know my neighbor while I am expected to share a
cup of sugar with my near-by resident in India. People don’t have the time to judge
in the US, but it’s totally the opposite in the country of my birth. As an individual, we
can’t express our emotions as wholeheartedly in India since people are concerned of
the wagging tongues. We have to have a decent job, a respectable title, and a
generous amount of ‘latest’ materialistic collection for a ‘status’ in the society. While
I have observed that my colleagues are at liberty to live their life. They can do
whatever they want, be whatsoever in their life, party like an animal as if there is no
tomorrow. Unfortunately, that was not the case for me. I was monitored like a hawk
24*7.”
Culture and ethics bind us as a family, and since America is a
region of immigrants there is a tendency to get lost in its’ diversity making the
upbringing of the child very confusing.
My Rating: 3/5
Ps: I have received this book from the author in exchange for a review and this is my honest opinion on the book.
June 13, 2017
Our world is made up of multiple cultures and people. Understanding them all is impossible, but through books like this we are given a glimpse in to the life of some. My heritage is a mix of cultures, as are most people's. If it were not for people of different cultures marrying and having families with one another, many of us would not be here today.
This book is a delight to read. The reader follows the life of Neena who hails from India and travels to America, later returning to India. We see her grow through the story, her assimilation into American culture while holding on to her Indian culture. It helps the reader to see a new culture and learn more about their way of life and beliefs while also showing the challenge of moving to a new culture, the differences between the two worlds, and all of the changes one goes through.
The writing style of this book is one that is easy to read and flows smoothly from one chapter to the next. If she is from a bicultural family, you would not be able to tell based upon the writing. She writes with professionalism, yet engages readers through emotion and descriptive writing. I was not distracted by grammatical or mechanics errors. It was well written and edited, making it ready for publication and distribution.
If you have ever wondered what it is like to move from your native home to another country where the culture is completely different from your own, this book will give you a better understanding. And if you like stories with an Indian influence, this is the one to read. Definitely a good read.
This book is a delight to read. The reader follows the life of Neena who hails from India and travels to America, later returning to India. We see her grow through the story, her assimilation into American culture while holding on to her Indian culture. It helps the reader to see a new culture and learn more about their way of life and beliefs while also showing the challenge of moving to a new culture, the differences between the two worlds, and all of the changes one goes through.
The writing style of this book is one that is easy to read and flows smoothly from one chapter to the next. If she is from a bicultural family, you would not be able to tell based upon the writing. She writes with professionalism, yet engages readers through emotion and descriptive writing. I was not distracted by grammatical or mechanics errors. It was well written and edited, making it ready for publication and distribution.
If you have ever wondered what it is like to move from your native home to another country where the culture is completely different from your own, this book will give you a better understanding. And if you like stories with an Indian influence, this is the one to read. Definitely a good read.
June 28, 2017
Note: Free copy from the Author in exchange for an Honest review.
This is a decent paced story and the story revolves around Neena, her beau, their family and their cultural identity issue.
My first suggestion to the author and the publishers - Please change the book cover. There are certain very badly written stories that catch your attention only because of their awesome covers. This story deserves a better cover for sure.
The last 10% was a bit of a drag, and doesn't make an impact as did the first 90%. This is that portion of the story where Neena loses her complete control and comes across as being too helpless. That was totally opposite to the Neena we know, maybe due to her situation, but doesn't sound convincing. The sudden change in Neena and Adan was too huge to say the least.
Writing was good, but could have been better, certain words were clearly out of place.
This is a decent paced story and the story revolves around Neena, her beau, their family and their cultural identity issue.
My first suggestion to the author and the publishers - Please change the book cover. There are certain very badly written stories that catch your attention only because of their awesome covers. This story deserves a better cover for sure.
The last 10% was a bit of a drag, and doesn't make an impact as did the first 90%. This is that portion of the story where Neena loses her complete control and comes across as being too helpless. That was totally opposite to the Neena we know, maybe due to her situation, but doesn't sound convincing. The sudden change in Neena and Adan was too huge to say the least.
Writing was good, but could have been better, certain words were clearly out of place.
October 11, 2017
The characters Adan and Neena are multi-faceted rather than one-dimensional, which I appreciated as I continued through this novel. I enjoyed learning about their relationship with one another, as well as their ties with their families. The underlying concepts of culture and social pressures came and went with ease throughout the narrative.
My only reason for not giving it 5 stars is that I found it to be a bit clunky in the dialogue and some of the scene descriptions, which I assume is because English is not a first language. I could be wrong in this assumption for the errors as it could be instead that a minor edit is just needed for the book. That said, I found the subject of dual cultures to be intriguing and the fictional characters gave me insights into how real people in this world feel they must wear a sort of mask in one situation and not in another due to customs, family traditions, etc. I recommend the read!
My only reason for not giving it 5 stars is that I found it to be a bit clunky in the dialogue and some of the scene descriptions, which I assume is because English is not a first language. I could be wrong in this assumption for the errors as it could be instead that a minor edit is just needed for the book. That said, I found the subject of dual cultures to be intriguing and the fictional characters gave me insights into how real people in this world feel they must wear a sort of mask in one situation and not in another due to customs, family traditions, etc. I recommend the read!
May 21, 2017
Excellent..!!!
Just like Neena, there are many of us who are breathing two worlds, two cultures, living two lives. The author has chosen a realistic plot and powerful theme. Neena's passionate attitude about her life and how she maintains a balance between her work and personal life is admirable. The characters are well developed, terse writing style, the brilliant narration makes it much more relatable and engrossing. Additionally, the incidents, culture, traditions are well depicted. A work of fiction up to the mark. The author has left no loopholes. Perfect.!!!
Negatives- Were there any? I didn't find a single one. Just grab your copy, hop on your bed and enjoy Neena's life.
PS- This is the best work I have read so far in my reviewing journey. Must Read.
Just like Neena, there are many of us who are breathing two worlds, two cultures, living two lives. The author has chosen a realistic plot and powerful theme. Neena's passionate attitude about her life and how she maintains a balance between her work and personal life is admirable. The characters are well developed, terse writing style, the brilliant narration makes it much more relatable and engrossing. Additionally, the incidents, culture, traditions are well depicted. A work of fiction up to the mark. The author has left no loopholes. Perfect.!!!
Negatives- Were there any? I didn't find a single one. Just grab your copy, hop on your bed and enjoy Neena's life.
PS- This is the best work I have read so far in my reviewing journey. Must Read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 19, 2017
I could empathize with Neena conflicting between her two worlds, adapting to her new while preserving her old. Been there and done that so could understand her feelings which the author Ruchira has expressed aptly. The author eloquently shows how most immigrants or anyone who has moved away from the comfort and familiarity of home faces a situation where work and care for aging parents may need balancing, love life may need extra care and understanding due to difference in culture, traditions, language and more. A subject that is becoming more common as the world shrinks Ruchira has done a great job of bringing the joys and woes to light.
July 16, 2017
The characters are well developed and realistic and easy to relate to. Their feelings of the authors have been well described.
Through this simple story, the author talks about what we go through when we move between two cultures. First, Neena has to become an American to adjust with the Americans and once she is back in India, she has to adhere to Indian traditions.
The language is simple and the author has used Indian words to give the book an Indian flavor. But I must give her credit for referencing the words at the end as a vocabulary for the non-Indian reader to understand. The flow is good but I felt that the book could have been reduced a bit.
I loved the book.
Through this simple story, the author talks about what we go through when we move between two cultures. First, Neena has to become an American to adjust with the Americans and once she is back in India, she has to adhere to Indian traditions.
The language is simple and the author has used Indian words to give the book an Indian flavor. But I must give her credit for referencing the words at the end as a vocabulary for the non-Indian reader to understand. The flow is good but I felt that the book could have been reduced a bit.
I loved the book.
April 29, 2017
Lovely read!
This is a very interesting story about Neena from India. It's about her life in both India and America where she works and also meets Adan. When her father gets cancer they travel to India to be with him.
I really enjoyed learning about India and the culture, so different from ours.
This is a delightful read!
This is a very interesting story about Neena from India. It's about her life in both India and America where she works and also meets Adan. When her father gets cancer they travel to India to be with him.
I really enjoyed learning about India and the culture, so different from ours.
This is a delightful read!
May 19, 2017
I generally don't read literary fiction. I'm generally a sci-fi and fantasy reader, however, I found this book to be well written and a story that needs to be told. More understanding of different cultures and our interactions with them need to be told. This story goes into the rhythms of life, culture, and love. I enjoyed this story a lot. Please read this book and learn from it.
May 25, 2017
Breathing Two Worlds is well a written book that looks into a world that many find themselves in today. Ruchira Khanna writes with sesitivity, and a style and pace that keeps the pages turning. A highly recommended read.
November 16, 2017
Interesting! An uncomplicated and simple read, ‘Breathing Two Worlds’ is the story of a confused soul one who is sandwiched between two extremely different cultures. The adjustments, the frustration, the suffocation’, the dilemma that she experiences are brought out beautifully in the story. While one world is always pricking her back with its prying eyes, the other is least concerned with what she does, how she behaves in public, etc., etc.
The book is also about making choices, bonding, caring for others sentiments and coming to terms with grief. It also reflects the dilemma of those millions who migrate from their roots to lands distant and alien, lands where they have to struggle to make a niche for themselves, lands which have an entirely different set of rules, cultures, traditions and habits. There are places where one gets a glimpse of the philosophical side of the author..
No twists, no turns yet exciting and engrossing that’s ‘Breathing Two Worlds.’
The book is also about making choices, bonding, caring for others sentiments and coming to terms with grief. It also reflects the dilemma of those millions who migrate from their roots to lands distant and alien, lands where they have to struggle to make a niche for themselves, lands which have an entirely different set of rules, cultures, traditions and habits. There are places where one gets a glimpse of the philosophical side of the author..
No twists, no turns yet exciting and engrossing that’s ‘Breathing Two Worlds.’
February 19, 2018
Breathing Two Worlds...
The crisis faced by a person dwindling between two worlds is tactfully presented here. Ruchira Khanna has portrayed the dilemma the protagonist faces as she had to shuttle from her present home - America and her parents’ home - India.
The need to have a root yet leading an independent life in America the protagonist finds it hard to deal with the cultural differences. She is managing somehow to walk the fine line but it all goes for a toss when she has to head back to India when her dad is struggling with Cancer.
More than the first generation NRI it is the second, third and so who have more problem dealing with it. Or is it just the first generation who have the problem as the next gen will just take it and leave it as one will be very much alien life for them. Very realistic take on the conflict one mind has to go through in such a situation.
Being an NRI that too the First generation one at that, I guess I can relate to what the author means by saying – Breathing Two Worlds.
The crisis faced by a person dwindling between two worlds is tactfully presented here. Ruchira Khanna has portrayed the dilemma the protagonist faces as she had to shuttle from her present home - America and her parents’ home - India.
The need to have a root yet leading an independent life in America the protagonist finds it hard to deal with the cultural differences. She is managing somehow to walk the fine line but it all goes for a toss when she has to head back to India when her dad is struggling with Cancer.
More than the first generation NRI it is the second, third and so who have more problem dealing with it. Or is it just the first generation who have the problem as the next gen will just take it and leave it as one will be very much alien life for them. Very realistic take on the conflict one mind has to go through in such a situation.
Being an NRI that too the First generation one at that, I guess I can relate to what the author means by saying – Breathing Two Worlds.
October 27, 2017
Understanding the Immigrant Experience
When you read this book, you are placed in the shoes of characters who live between their countries of origin and their new homeland of America. I enjoyed the dynamics between the characters although sometimes I was puzzled by language or action. But that's the point. I'm not an immigrant and yet I got to experience what it's like. Once I realized the journey the author was taking me on, I found the book to be brilliant in that regard. I think this is an important read because we live in isolated bubbles these days. We really need to learn what it's like to live other life experiences. It's also a sweet story about love of family, romance and self care.
When you read this book, you are placed in the shoes of characters who live between their countries of origin and their new homeland of America. I enjoyed the dynamics between the characters although sometimes I was puzzled by language or action. But that's the point. I'm not an immigrant and yet I got to experience what it's like. Once I realized the journey the author was taking me on, I found the book to be brilliant in that regard. I think this is an important read because we live in isolated bubbles these days. We really need to learn what it's like to live other life experiences. It's also a sweet story about love of family, romance and self care.
April 5, 2021
Insightful and Sweet
I enjoyed following Neena and Adan on their journey. The author did an excellent job immersing me in their shared life. It fulfills the promises made in the description. I actually feel how Neena was equally part of two cultures so different as to seem like different planets. It’s also filled with honest aspects of how difficult it can be to blend your life with someone else’s. The two are in love, but that doesn’t mean life’s easy for them.
I enjoyed following Neena and Adan on their journey. The author did an excellent job immersing me in their shared life. It fulfills the promises made in the description. I actually feel how Neena was equally part of two cultures so different as to seem like different planets. It’s also filled with honest aspects of how difficult it can be to blend your life with someone else’s. The two are in love, but that doesn’t mean life’s easy for them.
December 1, 2017
Plot:
It is about a new age girl trying to balance her life in two different countries and cultures. It is about setting her priorities right. Needless to say, with a strong female character in the center of it all makes for an interesting plot.
Characters:
This is where the book lags a bit. Aside from the protagonist no other character makes an impact.
Narrative:
Interesting narrative style and simple language makes it an easy read.
It is about a new age girl trying to balance her life in two different countries and cultures. It is about setting her priorities right. Needless to say, with a strong female character in the center of it all makes for an interesting plot.
Characters:
This is where the book lags a bit. Aside from the protagonist no other character makes an impact.
Narrative:
Interesting narrative style and simple language makes it an easy read.
November 16, 2020
This is a tale that packs a punch, especially given America’s currently “shattered” foreign policies. The tale revolves around Neena Arya, a transplant from New Delhi who has left for Ne York to fulfill her destiny. Doing so though comes at a great cost. Neena needs to Americanize herself, throwing out the traditions of her Indian roots. The plot only deeps further into the cultural dilemma when she needs to return home to help her ailing family. Breathing Two Worlds is a kind, deep story that should help minorities who’ve traveled from other countries feel united in their struggle, and give perspective to how challenging it is for a visitor to adapt to the demands of the U.S. I highly suggest taking a look in order to broaden your perspective on Indian culture, and the frustrations of all, given our current state of things in the US.
September 6, 2020
Neena is an immigrant who has moved from her life and family in India to the hustle and bustle of modern USA.
This story charts a period in her life where the two cultures clash in many ways, when her father is taken ill, back home, and she has to rush back to support her parents.
How do you mesh two cultures together, keeping hold of your roots, as well as embracing the new one you now live in?
An interesting story.
My only sticking point was that some writing was a little clunky in places, possibly due to language differences, meaning there were moments when certain situations cot lost in translation.
However, if you look beyond this, the story has good potential, and makes good points.
This story charts a period in her life where the two cultures clash in many ways, when her father is taken ill, back home, and she has to rush back to support her parents.
How do you mesh two cultures together, keeping hold of your roots, as well as embracing the new one you now live in?
An interesting story.
My only sticking point was that some writing was a little clunky in places, possibly due to language differences, meaning there were moments when certain situations cot lost in translation.
However, if you look beyond this, the story has good potential, and makes good points.
April 30, 2017
I very much enjoyed this book by Ruchira Khanna not only because of her writing but also the chosen theme which is very actual due to the fact that so many people nowadays tend to live in different countries during their lifetime and have to "breath two or more worlds". A good read.
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