For him, life was replete with tragic incidents one following the other – as if they were rehearsing for the next macabre dance. Even before he could speak up and call out for his mother, life had dealt its first cruel blow. And then, at every stage of his life, whenever he tried to stand up, he was knocked down.
But he refused to surrender.
It took months of pain, years of struggle and decades of determination to regain control of his life, and his body.
And then, tragedy struck once again…
One Step at a Time is an inspiring narrative of Visu – a man who stood all his life for others, though he himself couldn’t stand without support. This is a story of a man who helped many find purpose and meaning in life, though he himself had been wronged by the quirk of fate.
Let’s count Visu’s steps along the way. One Step at a Time.
For him, life was replete with tragic incidents one following the other - as if they were rehearsing for the next macabre dance. Even before he could speak up and call out for his mother, life had dealt its first cruel blow. And then, at every stage of his life, whenever he tried to stand up, he was knocked down.
But he refused to surrender.
It took months of pain, years of struggle and decades of determination to regain control of his life, and his body.
And then, tragedy struck once again...
One Step at a Time is an inspiring narrative of Visu - a man who stood all his life for others, though he himself couldn't stand without support. This is a story of a man who helped many find purpose and meaning in life, though he himself had been wronged by the quirk of fate.
Let's count Visu's steps along the way. One Step at a Time.
My views on the book
This is the debut book of Venkat Iyer, which he penned down to give a tribute to his parents. The book is one of the sadest book I have ever read, but at the same time gives a strong motivating message to never give up. The story starts from a pre-independent, South Indian village, narrating the lives of three motherless kids and struggles of their father.
The father then moves to Mumbai. Whole of India was struggling for freedom ,this family was also hoping to see good days soon. The eldest son cleared the witten examination of ICS, and soon have to sit for interview. His father had lots of hope attached with his clearing of ICS. The boy was confident but under the pressure of the family needs. After the interview he got high fever and could not sustain for long, and more depreciating was the telegram that said that he cleared the ICS interview. The news was heartbreaking for the father and he also could not survive for long. The youngest of all Visu, was now completely lost and heartbroken. After the performing the rituals of his father he was sitting lost in the dark room, when his brother in law took him outside for a walk. He was so lost that he could judge the tram coming towards him. He lost his leg in this accident...
This was not the end, he continued seeing ups and downs in life. The moment things appeared to be good, an arrow of sorrow was pointed towards him. But Visu, never gave up. He became a proud father of six children and gave a good life to all of them ,and Venkat Iyer is the youngest of all.
I could not stop my tears while turning each page. I was surprised that how someone could face so much of the heartbreaking problems in life and still could fight like a warrior. I consider Visu, a real warrior.
The book is a short read, which I completed in not more than two hours, but in these two hours, you will grab lot motivation to fight through this book.
Overall, its a good book.
Coverpage: *** I will give 3 stars to the cover page as it could have been much better...
Title: One step at a time... is a good title for the book as it conveys how Visu took each step after the tragedies happened in his life.
A cover shows an image of leg imprints on sand and a title "One Step at a Time" which gives an impression that the book is all about something of the past. I could say the cover is some what different and the author has tried his part to make it simple and classy.
One Step at a Time describes the story of a person "Visu" whom life has not treated pretty well , but even though that is the case , the willingness to fight back all the odds in his life , hold is head up and straight is something which is inspiring. The plot reminded me of the proverb , When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. It does give you lot of inspirations which also gives an message that no matter what you are going through , you should be willing enough to help others. The book also contains images of characters and positive quotes form famous personalities such as Dalai Lama and Albert Einstein to go with. What makes the images of the characters in the book mesmerizing is that it does give the readers loads of thoughts of imaginations of how the characters would be going through at that particular time. The language used in the book is simple and easy to understand. The narration type is "Observer narrator" along with the images of the character makes it a swing of thoughts of the readers. The book if filled with an inspirational vibe which gives the reader a sense of positivist even in cases of downfalls. The images of the character of the book is also somethings which I liked as it help me imagine the situation when I read. I couldn't find anything which is negative in the book . All the stuffs are well stitched enough for a good time for the reader
One Step at A Time”, is a motivating biography of Visu, who had lost his mother when he was just 2. This book is set up in the pre independence India where Visu grew up under the care of his dad Raj and his elder siblings Krish and Jaya. When their life was all smooth and on track, destiny rolls its dice and the support systems of Visu, fails consequently rendering him blows after blows. When he tries to get up from all the blows, life hits him so hard not letting him to make any step forward. But when Visu springs up from that too and proceeds further successfully in life, the final round of destiny takes a toll on him. Was Visu able to reconcile from this grievous blow or did he give up?? Read the book to know about the rollercoaster journey of Visu and how he tackled all the hurdles of life even when he was pushed to the end. Review : This book is a complete motivational read with a strong message which makes you ponder on your own life. This book covers both the pre and post independence India and the author’s narration takes the readers to those days. Likes : The chapters are crafted in an elegant way that makes the book an easy read. The usage of lucid language and easy words comforts the read and the meaning of the dialects, helps to maintain coherence throughout the book. The pictures of the images and the motivatonal quotes amidst the chapters makes the book easily relatable and proves to be an immediate motivator on seeing the people, living the impossible. This book is an on point inspiring tale of an ordinary man which makes the readers travel with the protagonist till the end, with no bragging or stretched chapters. Areas to be improved : The book is solely focused on the protagonist Visu, thereby the poor development of other characters detach the book from the readers. The cover should have been improvised as it lacks the alluring factor to grab readers attention. The blurb and the title of the book gives proper insight to the story hidden underneath and it makes justice to the plot. And this book, at the end, will refresh your mind and push you to believe in yourself.
Life is a mix of happiness and sadness. Successful people are those who keeps calm during both. Yhis book is an homage from a son, Venkat to his father, Visu.
Visu life was tragic from start. His siblings and father died early. Then he became differently abled in an accident. Still he did not lose hope.
This is the book of hope, bravery and determination. This shows that nothing is impossible. 3/ 5 stars.
One step further, is a motivational book written by venkAt iyer. Storyline of the book presents the time before 1947, whirling around vishu. Vishu faces many obstacles and his life and tackles them. The characters are well developed, language is easy to understand and lucid, story flow is good. Iyer has done good effort to motivate through an instrument of story. Overall should read book
Disclaimer: complimentary copy of the book was provided for professional review
beginning with the cover of the book, I would like to give 4/5; for, it irked me into some kind of positivity; a strange unexplainable positive feel that everything is going to be okay! the reason i am mentioning is that when i ordered the book, i was going through a difficult time and i dont know why but i started the book with confidence that it is going to be okay. in short, i loved the cover! for the title: yet again a positive feel and it can be marked 4.2/5. further, it was right up to the point about the core theme of the book. let me speak about the content of the book. the crux of the book is how a human who himself is undergoing trauma is picking others up so that they stand high; even when he is making mistakes, he makes sure that others see the light at end of the tunnel. in short, it was a bittersweet journey and is a promise that this is one of the novels that will stay in heart even after so many years. have you ever felt that one strange heavy feeling in the heart; it pains but it makes you smile as well as learn? well, this book is all about it. most recommended to all school-going students as it inculcates the necessary qualities in life! in short the book is inspiring, beautifully crafted and one can read over and over again to learn! pros: good flow, easy english language and the emotional reach to the audience are perfect. cons: very minor areas had some pace lag but it is negligible. overall, 4.5/5!
One step at a time is a motivational true story of a person who never surrendered in his life in spite of many struggle and obstacle came in his journey. This inspiring journey of a common man is well narrated by the Author Venkat Iyer.
The story revolves around the protagonist Visu and the cruel circumstances which made Visu and his family to suffer a lot but he never give up and keep trying to come out of the situations. So there are many incidents in the book which made me inspire and emotional at the same time. I also like the book for its illustration of the characters inside the book which made me feel more connected to the story. The language of the book is simple, and easy to comprehend but the cover of the book is very simple which could have been better.
One step at a time is a journey that takes place one by one. It's a story with limited characters and how so many things revolved around so much.
The book has a deep sense of struggle and how one should over come it.
How life never really goes the way you want it to. Somedays it just keeps spiralling down. It's about the strength of all mental/ physical that needs to be needed mostly mental strength which will get you through tough times like these.
I loved how every character was given a sketch and it felt like a photo time line of sorts. And there were quoted to uplift.
The story was simple and had deep bravery kneaded within it. So much to learn as always
I loved reading 'One step at a time'. It is one book that motivates and also has a beautiful story to share for the readers. Loved the writing style. Also, I liked the narrative style. It is highly motivating and gives so much to learn about life. Life isn't about destination but about the process. This book has all the elements to give something to learn about life, to understand the life better, to know the steps of life to become successful, and a lot more. The vocabulary used in the book is quite good and so as the grammar used. It is a must read book.
BLURB: For him, life was replete with tragic incidents one following the other – as if they were rehearsing for the next macabre dance. Even before he could speak up and call out for his mother, life had dealt its first cruel blow. And then, at every stage of his life, whenever he tried to stand up, he was knocked down. But he refused to surrender. It took months of pain, years of struggle and decades of determination to regain control of his life, and his body. And then, tragedy struck once again… One Step at a Time is an inspiring narrative of Visu – a man who stood all his life for others, though he himself couldn’t stand without support. This is a story of a man who helped many find purpose and meaning in life, though he himself had been wronged by the quirk of fate. Let’s count Visu’s steps along the way. One Step at a Time.
REVIEW:
What is it like to have a most realistic story in a fictional world? One Step at a Time is one such book which has come across to me and it had a tremendous impact on me and it. Be it story-line or the plot, it had been written meticulously. In this book, the author has dug-deep with the story and his thoughts before putting it into words and the life lead by the protagonist.
Title– This title has made to ponder many thoughts before unraveling the story in this book. Cover– The footprints of a person on sand depicts the depth of life and each step taken which shows mystery and depth of life. Plot– The plot is about the protagonist named Visu and the life of Visu which he has led and faced all the ups and downs in his life. Many a times, such situations occur in life which shatters us and how we pace with that is really thoughtful and important. Pace– This was really an amazing story to read and get over with it. It has made me over-think and get to know into the story precisely to extract every detail of it. It was a quick read and beautiful story. Language– The language and vocabulary used in this book is distinct and the exact content is magnifying.
Overall, it was an enchanting read and had given me a great experience. I recommend this book to everyone whether young/old, it has a great impact on me. I suggest this book to everyone.
RATINGS:
Title – 4/5 Cover – 4/5 Plot – 4/5 Character – 4/5 Pace – 4/5 Overall – 4/5
Book Title: One Step at a Time Author: Venkat Iyer Format: Paperback
Book Title: The title of the book ' One Step at a Time ' is thoughtful and mysterious.
Book Cover: The cover image of the book is a picture of footprints of a person on the beach sand depicting one step at a time, complementing the title.
Plot: The story is about Visu, the protagonist whose life is always about dealing and fighting hardships. Set in the era of India before independence, the then lifestyle, the then regulations and the then situations take a toll on Visu's life personally and mentally. However, life gives him tests he with great will power fights and triumphs only to face a new challenge.
My Review: There are some books which leave you with a vibrant feeling, there are books where the thinking process gets influenced and there are books that inspire you in every way. But, one must also know that there are very few books that teach life in a very discreet and thoughtful manner.
I found this book by Venkat Iyer something like that. There are elements of sadness, depression, inspiration, motivation, and triumph. The quotes by famous people added in between the chapters act as a catalyst in accepting the life lessons with good energy.
Characters: All the characters are well plotted. In this small book there are nicely written characters that inspire, make the readers think and introspect.
Narration: Though depressing and chaotic at times, the perseverance to lead the life against all odds is well illustrated.
Language & Grammar: Simple and effective language with good grammar is used in the story.
My Final Verdict: An inspiring tale of an ever striving soul.
Book Title: 4/5 Book Cover: 4/5 Plot: 4/5 Characters: 4/5 Narration: 4/5 Language & Grammar: 4/5 Final Rating: 4/5
For him, life was replete with tragic incidents one following the other - as if they were rehearsing for the next macabre dance. Even before he could speak up and call out for his mother, life had dealt its first cruel blow. And then, at every stage of his life, whenever he tried to stand up, he was knocked down.
But he refused to surrender.
It took months of pain, years of struggle and decades of determination to regain control of his life, and his body.
And then, tragedy struck once again...
One Step at a Time is an inspiring narrative of Visu - a man who stood all his life for others, though he himself couldn't stand without support. This is a story of a man who helped many find purpose and meaning in life, though he himself had been wronged by the quirk of fate.
Let's count Visu's steps along the way. One Step at a Time.
Review-
That's how you start your life right? Step by step, one step at a time. It's been a while since I've read any book and this has been the only book which made things simpler for me. The title and the catchy cover was more than enough for me to get hold of this book and to get started with it. Motivational books are something, which I come across on rare basis and this one has been the perfect start of my journey of reading books on daily basis. The way author has narrated every scene and as I kept turning every page, I started realizing how life is not simple but to make the journey a bit less hard, you need to keep taking your steps carefully. One step at a time.
With the perfect start, right from the cover page, author has done justice to the title and has truly won my heart by his work. Usage of lucid language made it a much better read.
The cover is too simple and beautiful, but it could have been better, provided the story line of hope and courage.
The Title of the book is apt for the story given the struggle faced by the protagonist Visu in life.
The blurb gives an insight of the story of Visu, his struggles and his courage to fight the odds.
The story is set in pre independence era. The main protagonist Visu loses his mother at an early age of 2. Then His father and his 2 elder brothers took care of him, But life had some other plans for him. Life takes away his support system and life tests him everywhere. But His hope and courage keeps him going.
The inclusion of images and quotes along with chapters made the interest of the reader in the story intact.
What I loved the most about the storyline is the simplicity with which the story progressed. The main protagonist was not glorified. He was an ordinary man throughout the story.
The story revolved around the life of Visu, His character was well crafted. But Other characters could not be developed like his.
The use of simple language and the vocabulary helped me connect with the story better.
I look forward to read more from the Author in future.
This book is a motivational read type book. The lead character of the book is Vishu. He lost his mother at the early age of two. He grew up under the care of his father, but each and every time destiny brings a huddle in front of him. He improvises and adapts the location to overcome both times and by his power of positivity, he succeeded every time. It teaches us one thing, no substance how the kick is harsh on you, continually be here for the ancestors who require you in their vigorously times. The hardback contains quotation marks, of about legendary personalities like Mr. Dalai Lama and Mr. Albert Einstein. Brook shield looks out of the ordinary and it gossip us that the sign up is based on more or fewer precedent memories. The chapters are crafted in a magnificent line of attack, which holds the bookworm concentration until the end. The language second-hand in the order undemanding to know and one tin concluded the manuscript in an only read. The charge is full with inspiration and instructs us one thing, no substance could you repeat that. Future in our vivacity we are supposed to restrain on offer and in the future victory will handle our feet. I didn’t find any loopholes in the book except it only focus on the lead character. A good read for the weekend
One Step at A Time”, is a motivating biography of Visu, who had lost his mother when he was 2 years old. I'm impressed by the manner in which author has tried to bring out something different from what's available in the Indian market. The story is quite interesting and other aspects like characters and narration are also on the optimal level. This is the kind of a book that retains its charm even after you have read it once. The story lingers there, offering you to form your own perceptions about it. It's a tiring task to find a book with a gripping plot, fully formed characters and smooth narration, and 'One Step At A Time' is a novel that ticks all boxes. Highly Recommended
One step at a time is a potpourri of tragedies and treasure both and much more. Story of visu made me cry in many incidents of his life.
Story is full of inspiration and motivation, it's all about how a visu lost valuable person at very small age and then struggle start one by one but he didn't gave up rather he stood up every time and took step forward for success.
Story is a love for readers! Much of emotions! Cover defines the story and title totally justified!
Quotation by legends madevit more positive for readers.
Language used is light and comprehensive. Even printing is very clear and specious by which is become readable easily.
One Step at a Time is a story of a man , Visu whose life is really full of hardships and struggles. He has gone through so many ups and downs. The story is really inspiring. The simple language and the proper description made this book so engaging. The language is simple and lucid. The title is proper according the story. The cover is really beautiful!