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An Extreme Love of Coffee: A Novel
When they drink a cup of 'magic' coffee, Rahul and Neha are entrusted with a quest that promises to lead to great treasure. As they race from the plantations of Coorg to Japanese graveyards, they are trailed by the Yamamoto brothers-bearing grudges and carrying swords.Accompanied by a friendly ghost and armed with an extreme love of coffee, Rahul and Neha discover their passion for warm frothy concoctions and each other.But will they manage to evade their Japanese assailants and find the treasure they first set out for?
- GenresFiction
213 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 24, 2019
9 people are currently reading
113 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
February 14, 2021
I love books that have stories within stories and this one has so many. The fragrance of coffee is a constant presence as Rahul and Neha, the protagonists, embark on an unexpected quest for treasure after they vacation on a coffee estate.
There is an intriguing Japanese connection,a ghost and several clues and connecting them all are the rich flavours of coffee and the history of how and where they came into being. Being a South Indian, filter kaapi is something I have always loved. But here the beverage is presented in so many avatars.. espresso and Americano of course but also Arabica,Robusta, Malabar and so many more. It's fascinating to experience with Rahul and Neha, the different accents that permeate the taste of coffee, depending on what other plants it is grown with..pepper, almond, walnut. The aroma and aftertaste are also unique for every kind. Here every cup of coffee is an exquisite experience because of the wonderful way in which it is described. I could smell the scent released by the beans as the way they were roasted was described and picture the rich decoction as it dropped into the filter.
So this is a very visual book, the words conjuring up rich images of steaming cups of the beverage even as Rahul and Neha embark on a journey that takes them from Mumbai to Coorg and other South Indian cities with their own coffee blends and histories that all play a role in the story.
The title is justified by the story in every way as it is quintessentially about coffee, something lovers of this beverage will really relate to.
It's so satisfying to read an Indian story that's so gripping and yes, delicious!
There is an intriguing Japanese connection,a ghost and several clues and connecting them all are the rich flavours of coffee and the history of how and where they came into being. Being a South Indian, filter kaapi is something I have always loved. But here the beverage is presented in so many avatars.. espresso and Americano of course but also Arabica,Robusta, Malabar and so many more. It's fascinating to experience with Rahul and Neha, the different accents that permeate the taste of coffee, depending on what other plants it is grown with..pepper, almond, walnut. The aroma and aftertaste are also unique for every kind. Here every cup of coffee is an exquisite experience because of the wonderful way in which it is described. I could smell the scent released by the beans as the way they were roasted was described and picture the rich decoction as it dropped into the filter.
So this is a very visual book, the words conjuring up rich images of steaming cups of the beverage even as Rahul and Neha embark on a journey that takes them from Mumbai to Coorg and other South Indian cities with their own coffee blends and histories that all play a role in the story.
The title is justified by the story in every way as it is quintessentially about coffee, something lovers of this beverage will really relate to.
It's so satisfying to read an Indian story that's so gripping and yes, delicious!
December 10, 2019
I never thought that a tea aficionado like me would write a review of a book with a pen in one hand, a cup of hot coffee in another. Yeah, I'm a tea enthusiast, through and through, and an occasional coffee drinker.
I am one of those people who believes that good things happen only to those who have a cup of hot tea in one hand and a good book in another. But this time, my idea shattered into a million pieces, as I embarked on a treasure hunt in the Coffee lands, unknowing what I'm going to bring back from my adventure. I am still reeling in the throes of reading this magical coffeelicious book ‘An Extreme Love of Coffee’ written by Harish Bhat.
It's still hard to imagine how the Custodian Guardian of the Tata Sons Group and the Chairman of Tata Coffee LTD. can overwhelm readers with their very first fiction book, an adventurous coffee travelogue. An Extreme Love of Coffee' is a uniquely conceptualized India’s first Coffee Book with a heady mix of adventure, travel, a bit of soft romance scattered here and there and no doubt loaded with loads and loads of Coffee.
At the beginning of the book, I couldn't get in touch with the plot for two reasons I think: first, it was a little slow (obviously, it needed time to take shape), and second, I couldn't figure out the' Heads and Tails' of where the story was taking me (needs patience, baby). But after 30 or so pages, I stumbled down in the wonderland of delicious coffee and beautiful places. I was totally lost in the story, with only the aroma of roasted to perfection coffee Beans guiding me to my destination.
I applaud Mr Bhat heartily, the master-storyteller, for penning a story, for I could never have dreamed before that a tale could be spun around coffee in such delicious words and woven intricately into a book. I was enamoured with the writing style, so sensuous and delectable. I could feel the genuine love and passion in every word he wrote.
The novel ranges across the beautiful places where Coffee is worshipped and can be found in every nook and cranny. The descriptions of weather, landscapes and coffee were done passionately and in loving detail.
Reading the novel, was like sitting on my comfy chair, tucked under the warm and soft quilt in long winter nights at my Nani’s place and filling my lungs with the smell of the nutty aroma of walnuts, mild but deliciously bitter coffee.
On this journey to discover coffee and treasure hunt, the characters of the book became my best buddies. Slowly but certainly between Rahul and Neha, I could literally feel the electricity of a growing love. I could also feel the happiness of my Coffee Ghost found in the company of those two. So many characters flitted in and out of the story, each with their own little tale to tell. What an incredible experience reading this book has been. I miss my old friends already.
I could go on and on about how amazing the book ‘An Extreme Love of Coffee’ is, but I got to stop somewhere, so to give you chance to check out the book for yourself. I say, go on, do read this potently heady Coffee book. Especially in this chilly season. Also, don’t forget your coffee while reading this book, or you will definitely going to regret it.
#coffee #Travel #Coffeelove
I am one of those people who believes that good things happen only to those who have a cup of hot tea in one hand and a good book in another. But this time, my idea shattered into a million pieces, as I embarked on a treasure hunt in the Coffee lands, unknowing what I'm going to bring back from my adventure. I am still reeling in the throes of reading this magical coffeelicious book ‘An Extreme Love of Coffee’ written by Harish Bhat.
It's still hard to imagine how the Custodian Guardian of the Tata Sons Group and the Chairman of Tata Coffee LTD. can overwhelm readers with their very first fiction book, an adventurous coffee travelogue. An Extreme Love of Coffee' is a uniquely conceptualized India’s first Coffee Book with a heady mix of adventure, travel, a bit of soft romance scattered here and there and no doubt loaded with loads and loads of Coffee.
At the beginning of the book, I couldn't get in touch with the plot for two reasons I think: first, it was a little slow (obviously, it needed time to take shape), and second, I couldn't figure out the' Heads and Tails' of where the story was taking me (needs patience, baby). But after 30 or so pages, I stumbled down in the wonderland of delicious coffee and beautiful places. I was totally lost in the story, with only the aroma of roasted to perfection coffee Beans guiding me to my destination.
I applaud Mr Bhat heartily, the master-storyteller, for penning a story, for I could never have dreamed before that a tale could be spun around coffee in such delicious words and woven intricately into a book. I was enamoured with the writing style, so sensuous and delectable. I could feel the genuine love and passion in every word he wrote.
The novel ranges across the beautiful places where Coffee is worshipped and can be found in every nook and cranny. The descriptions of weather, landscapes and coffee were done passionately and in loving detail.
Reading the novel, was like sitting on my comfy chair, tucked under the warm and soft quilt in long winter nights at my Nani’s place and filling my lungs with the smell of the nutty aroma of walnuts, mild but deliciously bitter coffee.
On this journey to discover coffee and treasure hunt, the characters of the book became my best buddies. Slowly but certainly between Rahul and Neha, I could literally feel the electricity of a growing love. I could also feel the happiness of my Coffee Ghost found in the company of those two. So many characters flitted in and out of the story, each with their own little tale to tell. What an incredible experience reading this book has been. I miss my old friends already.
I could go on and on about how amazing the book ‘An Extreme Love of Coffee’ is, but I got to stop somewhere, so to give you chance to check out the book for yourself. I say, go on, do read this potently heady Coffee book. Especially in this chilly season. Also, don’t forget your coffee while reading this book, or you will definitely going to regret it.
#coffee #Travel #Coffeelove
February 21, 2021
To me this book was an average read.
The description of various kinds of coffee in the book, is something which I felt interesting in the book.
The rest of the fictional story didn't hold me through out.
This book neither let me ditch it half way through nor kept me hooked, hence to me it's an average read like I said in the beginning.
The description of various kinds of coffee in the book, is something which I felt interesting in the book.
The rest of the fictional story didn't hold me through out.
This book neither let me ditch it half way through nor kept me hooked, hence to me it's an average read like I said in the beginning.
January 4, 2022
Very extreme indeed. I too was a coffee-only person until a certain someone said "Adrak wali chai coffee see behtar hoti hai", the opposite of what happened to Rahul. 'An Extreme Love of Coffee' was a beautiful journey through south India and all the different types of coffee India has to offer. Delicious aromas, unique tastes that brighten your senses, seeking treasure with the help of a generous coffee-loving ghost, and being stalked by bald Japanese men. Just magical. I will for sure have a hot cup of Kaapi soon!
It become boring when part C hit by still liked it though:)
It become boring when part C hit by still liked it though:)
November 21, 2019
I’m slightly biased because I know the author well. But I really loved this book. It’s a book of fiction by a coffee lover. Love the pace at which the story moves and the characters appear so real, even though one of them is a ghost. Let me not say more and spoil it for you.
March 8, 2023
An Extreme Love of Coffee was destined to be an adventure novel. But it's not.
With dialogues like this, "I have this fascination for coffee and I know you like it too. This holiday in Coorg will nurture our souls." I don't think I'll shelf it in adventure category. It's more like a story of a casual expedition of two friends around the world. Both of whom are coffee lovers and are powered by coffee.
It's the story of Rahul, a marketer, who has this new-found obsession over coffee. He sees coffee everywhere now, and everyone around him loves coffee.
When he decided to take a holiday, he found a brochure in his local Starbucks about a vacation in a coffee plantation in Coorg. So, off he went to Coorg with his girlfriend Neha, a food blogger.
On the way, he stops to drink coffee in a small stall. He sees an old lady who's selling, guess what... Coffee beans.
They buy the coffee beans. Later, they reach their vacation bungalow where they had those beans roasted and brewed.
They drink the coffee, and the adventure begins... to find a treasure hidden by a Monk from Japan who established the coffee estate around. Helping them on their quest is a ghost, a friendly ghost who again... Loves coffee. He always has a steaming hot coffee mug in his hand.
The book is a mix of romance, adventure and fantasy. Although the story was engaging, it doesn't satisfy any niche.
If only the writer managed to have some good photos of all the coffee types his protagonist(s) drank, the novel could easily pass off as a coffee table book on coffee.
The story seems as if ideated by a kid, described by an adult, shaped by someone else.
Rahul seems to be like Tyler, from The Menu, overly excited about coffee, and dramatic. And the book keeps describing coffee in different words, multiple times. As many variants Rahul and Neha see and drink. And whoever they meet devours coffee, and have a story of their own.
An Extreme Love of Coffee can become a crash course to become a coffee sommelier. And it can act as a reference guide to marketing coffee products.
It's a casual read. Pick it only for your extreme love of coffee.
With dialogues like this, "I have this fascination for coffee and I know you like it too. This holiday in Coorg will nurture our souls." I don't think I'll shelf it in adventure category. It's more like a story of a casual expedition of two friends around the world. Both of whom are coffee lovers and are powered by coffee.
It's the story of Rahul, a marketer, who has this new-found obsession over coffee. He sees coffee everywhere now, and everyone around him loves coffee.
When he decided to take a holiday, he found a brochure in his local Starbucks about a vacation in a coffee plantation in Coorg. So, off he went to Coorg with his girlfriend Neha, a food blogger.
On the way, he stops to drink coffee in a small stall. He sees an old lady who's selling, guess what... Coffee beans.
They buy the coffee beans. Later, they reach their vacation bungalow where they had those beans roasted and brewed.
They drink the coffee, and the adventure begins... to find a treasure hidden by a Monk from Japan who established the coffee estate around. Helping them on their quest is a ghost, a friendly ghost who again... Loves coffee. He always has a steaming hot coffee mug in his hand.
The book is a mix of romance, adventure and fantasy. Although the story was engaging, it doesn't satisfy any niche.
If only the writer managed to have some good photos of all the coffee types his protagonist(s) drank, the novel could easily pass off as a coffee table book on coffee.
The story seems as if ideated by a kid, described by an adult, shaped by someone else.
Rahul seems to be like Tyler, from The Menu, overly excited about coffee, and dramatic. And the book keeps describing coffee in different words, multiple times. As many variants Rahul and Neha see and drink. And whoever they meet devours coffee, and have a story of their own.
An Extreme Love of Coffee can become a crash course to become a coffee sommelier. And it can act as a reference guide to marketing coffee products.
It's a casual read. Pick it only for your extreme love of coffee.
January 8, 2020
AN EXTREME LOVE OF COFFEE by HARISH BHATT ☕
●
Coffee. An adventure. A treasure hunt. A love story and A bit of magical realism✨
An extreme love of coffee is one of those books that once you pick up, you can't put down!
I honestly wasn't expecting it to turn out so interesting when i first started reading it and i was surprised through and through by the elements that the author introduced with every turn of page.
We have Rahul, a content writer and Neha, a food blogger who embarks upon their journey of discovering coffee in the gardens of Coorg. What begins as a fun endeavor, quite quickly turns into a treasure hunt that takes them to Japan and so on.
●
Bhatt quite meticulously justifies the title of the novel, by letting us on some unknown facts about coffee and also paints a picture of the rich coffee culture in different parts of India. I found myself drooling everytime the author narrated how a certain type of coffee was made.
●
However, you DONOT start a book that is predominantly about coffee, by ditching TEA seeesh. Because there are people like me who love both equally and i kinda felt hurt with that comment.
Also,there were a few stereotypical remarks on women that made me cringe and i felt that they could've been easily omitted as they didn't add anything new to the story!
●
But all in all, an enjoyable read and i would definitely suggest this one if you are in mood for a light read along with a cup of COFFEE🤭
●
Coffee. An adventure. A treasure hunt. A love story and A bit of magical realism✨
An extreme love of coffee is one of those books that once you pick up, you can't put down!
I honestly wasn't expecting it to turn out so interesting when i first started reading it and i was surprised through and through by the elements that the author introduced with every turn of page.
We have Rahul, a content writer and Neha, a food blogger who embarks upon their journey of discovering coffee in the gardens of Coorg. What begins as a fun endeavor, quite quickly turns into a treasure hunt that takes them to Japan and so on.
●
Bhatt quite meticulously justifies the title of the novel, by letting us on some unknown facts about coffee and also paints a picture of the rich coffee culture in different parts of India. I found myself drooling everytime the author narrated how a certain type of coffee was made.
●
However, you DONOT start a book that is predominantly about coffee, by ditching TEA seeesh. Because there are people like me who love both equally and i kinda felt hurt with that comment.
Also,there were a few stereotypical remarks on women that made me cringe and i felt that they could've been easily omitted as they didn't add anything new to the story!
●
But all in all, an enjoyable read and i would definitely suggest this one if you are in mood for a light read along with a cup of COFFEE🤭
August 28, 2022
An Extreme Love of Coffee: A Novel, by Harish Bhat, is a light hearted tale following city dwellers Rahul and Neha who find themselves entrusted with a coffee themed quest to discover an old treasure, while on holiday in the lush green mountains of Coorg, India. Accompanied by a polite and helpful coffee drinking ghost of a British gentleman who was once a coffee planter in the area, they begin their adventure through various locations around Coorg, to spooky Japanese graveyards and so on, all the while tasting brilliant blends and aromatic concoctions of the drink.
Superior to the plot itself though, were the highly intoxicating descriptions of the myriad blends of coffee, the mini tales & trivia within the larger story, involving the origins of discovering, nurturing and roasting unique coffee beans. I often felt transported to the rainy hills of Coorg, while reading the novel over my regular cappuccino. It's a light and slightly silly read, but packed with delightful trivia about the everyday drink, we probably think little about. ☕️
Superior to the plot itself though, were the highly intoxicating descriptions of the myriad blends of coffee, the mini tales & trivia within the larger story, involving the origins of discovering, nurturing and roasting unique coffee beans. I often felt transported to the rainy hills of Coorg, while reading the novel over my regular cappuccino. It's a light and slightly silly read, but packed with delightful trivia about the everyday drink, we probably think little about. ☕️
February 22, 2020
First of all I want to congratulate you (Mr. Harish Bhat) on the real-time depiction of the events in the novel throughout. The narrative was so lifelike that I could experience the events, almost instantaneously. Also I could draw so many parallels in my personal life with it. I loved it completely.
I hail from Rajasthan and I have lived in South India most of my life due to my Dad’s postings in South - Hyderabad, Bangalore and finally Chennai except for 3 years in Bombay. My taste for ginger Tea comes from my roots and I adapted to the filter Kaapi culture of Chennai followed by black coffee/Espresso in Finland for the last 5 years. The lively description in detail of Coorg (the drive and the Estates) Coimbatore (RS Puram and Annapoorna were my regular haunts being a vegetarian) Kumbakonam Degree Coffee (I always insisted on this from Sangeetha Restaurant near my office in Chennai) Copenhagen (I have short sweet memories from my few official trips) Aamchi Mumbai were all absolutely well narrated as I have special memories of each. They resonated with me a lot! Not to forget the subtle references to romance and sex. Also been to Japan for work a few times and (once during the beautiful Cherry Blossom bloom) which also resonated well.
I want to personally thank you for such a satisfying read and look forward to more books from you in the coming years. Would love to meet you over what else, but a coffee sometime. I have recommended this book to my friends and I wish this book and your future writings huge success.
PS - I managed to buy 8 copies which I gifted to my friends and I will be happy to promote more simply because your novel made for interesting reading with a fine blend of reality and fantasy.
I hail from Rajasthan and I have lived in South India most of my life due to my Dad’s postings in South - Hyderabad, Bangalore and finally Chennai except for 3 years in Bombay. My taste for ginger Tea comes from my roots and I adapted to the filter Kaapi culture of Chennai followed by black coffee/Espresso in Finland for the last 5 years. The lively description in detail of Coorg (the drive and the Estates) Coimbatore (RS Puram and Annapoorna were my regular haunts being a vegetarian) Kumbakonam Degree Coffee (I always insisted on this from Sangeetha Restaurant near my office in Chennai) Copenhagen (I have short sweet memories from my few official trips) Aamchi Mumbai were all absolutely well narrated as I have special memories of each. They resonated with me a lot! Not to forget the subtle references to romance and sex. Also been to Japan for work a few times and (once during the beautiful Cherry Blossom bloom) which also resonated well.
I want to personally thank you for such a satisfying read and look forward to more books from you in the coming years. Would love to meet you over what else, but a coffee sometime. I have recommended this book to my friends and I wish this book and your future writings huge success.
PS - I managed to buy 8 copies which I gifted to my friends and I will be happy to promote more simply because your novel made for interesting reading with a fine blend of reality and fantasy.
September 14, 2020
I am great fan of Dan Brown and his Robert Langdon series. I experienced the same thrill of adventure while reading the adventures of Rahul & Neha. Really liked the backdrop of the story, An Extreme Love of Coffee, which is Coorg and coffee plantation. I have lived the plantation life in Munnar and Harish's story teleported me back to my plantation days. Some of the unique highlights of the story: (1) Pink coffee beans - I have heard of them earlier but after reading the story I googled to do more research on the fascinating manufacturing process of pink coffee beans. (2) Bellada kaapi, (3) Trevor's rain elephant poop coffee. Though I have heard about world's most expensive Kopi luwak but never heard of this, (4) RG or Coffee Ghost is a very thoughful addition into the story.
Its like death by coffee with the amount of knowledge you gain reading Harish's well reserached descriptions throughout the book. The various twists in the story kept me on the edge. The story of the 3rd key and what happened after that is an amazing section of the story which leaves you thinking - What will you do if you suddenly become Edobette coffee estate owner and get to live the rest of your life in the plantation which anyone from city cannot even imagine .
Being an ardent coffee lover and a plantation life enthusiast I have taken down some notes about different coffees mentioned in the book which I will drink. Today when we cannot take a holiday due to the Covid situation, Harish's story definately took me to some amazing destinations and gave very good travel insights. Overall 'An Extreme Love for Coffee' was a very enjoyable and fast read. Like the aroma of coffe beans, the aroma of the book will continue to linger on and haunt you, very much like RG - The Coffee Ghost. My compliments to Harish for such a memorable first novel. While I follow Harish in Linkedin for his fascinating stories on Tata group, I would also look forward to interesting fictional stories like AELOC from Harish in future!
For all coffee lovers and travel enthusiast Harish's AELOC is a must read!
Its like death by coffee with the amount of knowledge you gain reading Harish's well reserached descriptions throughout the book. The various twists in the story kept me on the edge. The story of the 3rd key and what happened after that is an amazing section of the story which leaves you thinking - What will you do if you suddenly become Edobette coffee estate owner and get to live the rest of your life in the plantation which anyone from city cannot even imagine .
Being an ardent coffee lover and a plantation life enthusiast I have taken down some notes about different coffees mentioned in the book which I will drink. Today when we cannot take a holiday due to the Covid situation, Harish's story definately took me to some amazing destinations and gave very good travel insights. Overall 'An Extreme Love for Coffee' was a very enjoyable and fast read. Like the aroma of coffe beans, the aroma of the book will continue to linger on and haunt you, very much like RG - The Coffee Ghost. My compliments to Harish for such a memorable first novel. While I follow Harish in Linkedin for his fascinating stories on Tata group, I would also look forward to interesting fictional stories like AELOC from Harish in future!
For all coffee lovers and travel enthusiast Harish's AELOC is a must read!
October 15, 2020
An extreme love of coffee
Harish Bhat
"You are not a coffee lover, if you didn't read this book" that's exactly how this book was recommended to me by a fellow coffee addict and book nerd friend of mine, followed by pic of notes made in the first page of book about all coffee mentioned in the book.
Once I started reading the book I could totally understand what possessed my soft spoken friend to make such a pointed statement. This book literally smelled coffee all the way through the last page.It is a coffee adventure for sure.
The story begins with the Mumbai based coffee lover protagonist working in advertising field and his food blogger girl friend going on a coffee adventure seeking a treasure left behind by a coffee monk guided by a coffee ghost (yeah you read it right) with two Japanese assailants hot on their heels to get hold of the treasure which they proclaim to belong to their family. Did they find the treasure?or were they outsmarted by their opponents who shadow them through the adventure is the story.
In all honesty initially I felt it bit slow but then may be the pace picked up with all the coffee that brewed all through the book.
A note of warning, the descriptions are highly intoxicating to coffee addicts so read at your own risk or you might end up drinking more coffee than usual while reading the book
Ps:You might also end up nostalgically remembering all the remarkable cups of coffees you had so far in your life time.
Pps:Tasting the coffees mentioned in the book(except 2)might be added to your bucket list too.
Harish Bhat
"You are not a coffee lover, if you didn't read this book" that's exactly how this book was recommended to me by a fellow coffee addict and book nerd friend of mine, followed by pic of notes made in the first page of book about all coffee mentioned in the book.
Once I started reading the book I could totally understand what possessed my soft spoken friend to make such a pointed statement. This book literally smelled coffee all the way through the last page.It is a coffee adventure for sure.
The story begins with the Mumbai based coffee lover protagonist working in advertising field and his food blogger girl friend going on a coffee adventure seeking a treasure left behind by a coffee monk guided by a coffee ghost (yeah you read it right) with two Japanese assailants hot on their heels to get hold of the treasure which they proclaim to belong to their family. Did they find the treasure?or were they outsmarted by their opponents who shadow them through the adventure is the story.
In all honesty initially I felt it bit slow but then may be the pace picked up with all the coffee that brewed all through the book.
A note of warning, the descriptions are highly intoxicating to coffee addicts so read at your own risk or you might end up drinking more coffee than usual while reading the book
Ps:You might also end up nostalgically remembering all the remarkable cups of coffees you had so far in your life time.
Pps:Tasting the coffees mentioned in the book(except 2)might be added to your bucket list too.
January 22, 2020
This is one of the best books I have read in the recent past. The book even though fictional has a touch of reality in it which you keep experiencing as you try to solve the magical riddles along with Rahul and Neha (the two main characters in the story).
The book for me was almost like a cup of delicious coffee itself which I enjoyed sipping - one chapter at a time peacefully. I liked the book so much that I intentionally took a bit longer to read the book as I read a few of its chapters in the places that are mentioned in the book.
Of course I did not travel all the way to Japan and Denmark (even though I would have loved to do that), I still made a brief visit to South India to enjoy the book even more along with the varieties of coffee that it talks about. I now see coffee entirely differently even though I still love tea a bit more than coffee (actually now I might have to confess reluctantly that I love both tea and coffee equally).
Whether you like coffee or you don’t, you will surely develop an extreme love for “An Extreme Love of Coffee”. A wonderful experience reading this book and experiencing its magical journey. I will not spill the beans by revealing the plot but all I can say is that I found my hidden treasure by reading this book and rediscovering my love for coffee and adventure.
KAUSTUBH JOSHI
AUTHOR - BOMBAY UNMAPPED
The book for me was almost like a cup of delicious coffee itself which I enjoyed sipping - one chapter at a time peacefully. I liked the book so much that I intentionally took a bit longer to read the book as I read a few of its chapters in the places that are mentioned in the book.
Of course I did not travel all the way to Japan and Denmark (even though I would have loved to do that), I still made a brief visit to South India to enjoy the book even more along with the varieties of coffee that it talks about. I now see coffee entirely differently even though I still love tea a bit more than coffee (actually now I might have to confess reluctantly that I love both tea and coffee equally).
Whether you like coffee or you don’t, you will surely develop an extreme love for “An Extreme Love of Coffee”. A wonderful experience reading this book and experiencing its magical journey. I will not spill the beans by revealing the plot but all I can say is that I found my hidden treasure by reading this book and rediscovering my love for coffee and adventure.
KAUSTUBH JOSHI
AUTHOR - BOMBAY UNMAPPED
February 24, 2020
It is a magical and adventurous novel - An Extreme Love of Coffee – by Mr. Harish Bhat. It is not only an amazing but also an interesting one, which forces the reader to find out the next clue of the treasure. It is an exciting and wonderful chase for the treasure. I have travelled with RG, Rahul and Neha – the lead characters of the novel - to captivating places such as Coorg, Talakaveri, Annapoorna, Raghavendra, Japan, Copenhagen and a Film Studio in Mumbai. If you immerse yourself in this novel, you can as well travel with them to those picturesque locations.
This novel informs the reader about several varieties of coffee available around the world, particularly in the Southern India. This novel also has a great share of suspense, romance and comedy. In fact, it is no less than a blockbuster rom-com.
As usual, the author’s style of writing was an entertaining. The reading of this book was a great fun. It made me happy all through the reading. It would certainly make you happy, if you read it!
This novel informs the reader about several varieties of coffee available around the world, particularly in the Southern India. This novel also has a great share of suspense, romance and comedy. In fact, it is no less than a blockbuster rom-com.
As usual, the author’s style of writing was an entertaining. The reading of this book was a great fun. It made me happy all through the reading. It would certainly make you happy, if you read it!
December 5, 2019
'An extreme love of coffee' is about Rahul Kamath-a man from the advertising world and an ardent coffee lover who embarks on an unexpected treasure hunt with his girlfriend Neha after drinking ‘magic coffee’.
With strange clues and accompanied by a friendly coffee ghost, Rahul and Neha rush from coffee plantations in Coorg to Japanese graveyards and Denmark. Pursued by Japanese assailants, the story goes on to describe Rahul and Neha’s relentless hunt for the treasure.
After penning 2 non fiction books, Brand Custodian of Tata Sons Private Limited , Harish Bhatt returns with a fantasy fiction.
In his compelling writing style, he creates an interesting blend of the coffee, adventure and mysticism. The descriptions of different locales are especially vivid. He also manages to give insights about the different coffee varieties.
Informative and fantastical, this book certainly emphasizes on the fact that a lot can happen over coffee!
February 26, 2020
"An Extreme Love of Coffee", is a fantastic journey of "love and passion", worth exploring for both; "Coffee-lovers" and "Coffee-non-lovers".
Caution: The "Coffee-non-lover" may end up being a "Coffee-lover" for a (short/long) period of time ... trying different coffee's :-) (Just kidding)
The book is a treasure hunt journey of the couple (Rahul and Neha); exploring differently places (related to coffee) which ends with a nice bonding between the two and the treasure awarded to the most deserved.
The writer Harish Bhat has used the words effectively to create a nice visual appearance of characters and locations and is also ultimately successful in provoking the reader to get deeply involved in the story.
I recommend this book to go for a short literature-adventure trip.
Cheers,
Girish
Caution: The "Coffee-non-lover" may end up being a "Coffee-lover" for a (short/long) period of time ... trying different coffee's :-) (Just kidding)
The book is a treasure hunt journey of the couple (Rahul and Neha); exploring differently places (related to coffee) which ends with a nice bonding between the two and the treasure awarded to the most deserved.
The writer Harish Bhat has used the words effectively to create a nice visual appearance of characters and locations and is also ultimately successful in provoking the reader to get deeply involved in the story.
I recommend this book to go for a short literature-adventure trip.
Cheers,
Girish
January 13, 2022
Over the last few days and over many cups of coffee I read 'An Extreme Love of Coffee' by Harish Bhat
The book had been on my wishlist for a good part of 2021 until I finally picked it up from a bookstore in Mumbai in December.
Reading the book, it was a journey to discovering some amazing facts about the various coffees grown in India and the unique ways of preparing coffee (some of which I was unaware of)
I was able to connect with both the protagonists, Rahul Kamath and Neha Sharma, not just because we share an extreme love of coffee but also because of the line of work I am in (be it Brand & Content Strategy or Food & Travel Writing).
I was really happy that I was able to travel to Mangalore with this story, as it beautifully captured the essence of the city through some accurate references.
Overall, this was a great read, both for increasing my knowledge about coffee and keeping me hooked with some great storytelling!
@citizenkamath
The book had been on my wishlist for a good part of 2021 until I finally picked it up from a bookstore in Mumbai in December.
Reading the book, it was a journey to discovering some amazing facts about the various coffees grown in India and the unique ways of preparing coffee (some of which I was unaware of)
I was able to connect with both the protagonists, Rahul Kamath and Neha Sharma, not just because we share an extreme love of coffee but also because of the line of work I am in (be it Brand & Content Strategy or Food & Travel Writing).
I was really happy that I was able to travel to Mangalore with this story, as it beautifully captured the essence of the city through some accurate references.
Overall, this was a great read, both for increasing my knowledge about coffee and keeping me hooked with some great storytelling!
@citizenkamath
Read
March 4, 2020I must confess that I have known Mr Bhat professionally as a brilliant marketing leader and so may be biased in my comments. In spite of this familiarity, the book is a racy and gripping read, made special in my situation since I devoured this during my week-long stay in Coorg, and also some special times I spent at the Horniman Circle outlet of Starbucks. I went to some of the places mentioned in the book and saw them in a different light, coloured by Mr Bhat's vivid descriptions of the place. He mixes the plot well, including impossibly far-flung influences of Japanese coffee planters. He brings the magic of frothy, chicory coffee alive. Places that he takes us to in the book, Gonikoppal and Polibetta, are really the quaint little places that Mr Bhat brings to life. The series of mysterious clues peppered as the story goes along bring a whodunit style. Highly recommended.
March 4, 2020
☕☕ BOOK REVIEW ☕☕
An Extreme love of Coffee by Harish Bhat
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Well this was one book I wanted to devour and take it easy while reading. Why not.... coffee is my savior in the long office hours.... midnight flights and even a relaxed day at home. To put it simply....I Love Coffee 😍
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Now this book is about someone exactly like me. Rahul and his girlfriend Neha are avid coffee lovers and they embark on a journey in coffee plantations from Coorg to Japan.
It's a fantasy novel with a ghost 👻 oh yeah ... and lots of adventure and treasure hunt. The clues obviously has everything to do with coffee. It's remarkable how a simple something like coffee can be woven into such fantasy tale.
🍁
I enjoyed this book ....not a lot honestly but kind of ok. Read a fantasy story after a long time and it made me remember my vacation at Coorg.
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☕☕☕/5
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#goodreadschallenge2020 : 2/50
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An Extreme love of Coffee by Harish Bhat
🍁
🍁
Well this was one book I wanted to devour and take it easy while reading. Why not.... coffee is my savior in the long office hours.... midnight flights and even a relaxed day at home. To put it simply....I Love Coffee 😍
🍁
🍁
Now this book is about someone exactly like me. Rahul and his girlfriend Neha are avid coffee lovers and they embark on a journey in coffee plantations from Coorg to Japan.
It's a fantasy novel with a ghost 👻 oh yeah ... and lots of adventure and treasure hunt. The clues obviously has everything to do with coffee. It's remarkable how a simple something like coffee can be woven into such fantasy tale.
🍁
I enjoyed this book ....not a lot honestly but kind of ok. Read a fantasy story after a long time and it made me remember my vacation at Coorg.
🍁
🍁
☕☕☕/5
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#goodreadschallenge2020 : 2/50
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July 1, 2020
Well, to write a review about a book with the object that you love as the central theme, is like taking coal to New Castle :) "Coffee" is something I love and hence, this book found its way to me I guess.
The 1st read in early March was a devouring read and I thoroughly enjoyed the fact that each adventure led to a new coffee and each coffee led to a new adventure. The Author has simply brewed magic with his words and roasted each adventure, like every coffee bean he mentions, to perfection.
While I will not spoil the fun for you, the person reading this review, by revealing too much, let me confess that when I read it the 2nd time around recently, I savoured each word (which I devoured in the 1st read) of this fantasy chase even more.
If you want to set out on a coffee adventure with India and coffee at its heart, this one is for you :) Go for it!!
The 1st read in early March was a devouring read and I thoroughly enjoyed the fact that each adventure led to a new coffee and each coffee led to a new adventure. The Author has simply brewed magic with his words and roasted each adventure, like every coffee bean he mentions, to perfection.
While I will not spoil the fun for you, the person reading this review, by revealing too much, let me confess that when I read it the 2nd time around recently, I savoured each word (which I devoured in the 1st read) of this fantasy chase even more.
If you want to set out on a coffee adventure with India and coffee at its heart, this one is for you :) Go for it!!
July 22, 2020
Loved reading this book. It is light, a slice of our advertising lives, incredibly witty and captivating. But most notable is the way the author has described coffee. I didn’t know there were so many varieties of coffee, especially Indian beans, many of them global favourites. The way Harish describes them draws out their flavour, aroma and story in a way that I have only experienced in the books of Joanne Harris. She is best known for her book Chocolat, but each of her books bring out the sense, technique and mystique of food in such a way that you can almost experience it with your mind. This book does the same with coffee. The other aspect I really liked is the way Harish has brought to life must visit getaways in South India. Inspired to go on a coffee trail in the future. This book will help enrich the journey.
March 19, 2020
I am writing the book review with a cup of hot steaming Sunrise Coffee. I can blame the book, ‘An Extreme Love Of Coffee’ for my change of brew.
I am a typical North Indian whose love of tea is known across family and friends. Yet, after landing at Nagpur and having finished the novel on the flight, involuntarily, I made myself a cup of coffee. Not the type Harish Bhat romances in his debut novel and the third book ‘An Extreme Love Of Coffee’. Think, it will do for this review.
I never relished coffee. I never acquired the love of its taste and aroma. Maybe I never had an authentic filter coffee. But, then, Harish being a batchmate from IIM Ahmedabad, I had to pick the book and read. I don’t regret it. Read more http://sanjeevkotnala.com/an-extreme-...
I am a typical North Indian whose love of tea is known across family and friends. Yet, after landing at Nagpur and having finished the novel on the flight, involuntarily, I made myself a cup of coffee. Not the type Harish Bhat romances in his debut novel and the third book ‘An Extreme Love Of Coffee’. Think, it will do for this review.
I never relished coffee. I never acquired the love of its taste and aroma. Maybe I never had an authentic filter coffee. But, then, Harish being a batchmate from IIM Ahmedabad, I had to pick the book and read. I don’t regret it. Read more http://sanjeevkotnala.com/an-extreme-...
March 27, 2020
The good things about the book is that you get to know slightly more about coffee than what you already did. Also I ended up googling about Coorg, Coimbatore and Copenhagen. The adventures of Rahul, Neha and the coffee drinking ghost RG and how they find the treasure left behind by the coffee loving monk saito just about keeps you engaged. The two japanese brothers who follow them for the claiming the treasure which was rightfully theirs are also placed haphazardly throughout the book.
But its for sure that you'll want to plan a trip to Coorg after reading this book and also savour the bellada kaapi, monsoon malabar coffee and the authentic south indian filter coffee on your next hoilday to south India!
But its for sure that you'll want to plan a trip to Coorg after reading this book and also savour the bellada kaapi, monsoon malabar coffee and the authentic south indian filter coffee on your next hoilday to south India!
December 10, 2025
🌟🌟🌟💫
The 1st quarter of the book had a very dry, uninteresting writing & badly written characters. Rahul was boring & even irritating at times & Neha had no personality whatsoever. I felt like even the other smaller female characters added were just there to satisfy the male gaze & nothing more. As the story progressed Neha did develop some personality & Rahul became less obnoxious.
I almost DNFed the book several times in the first 100 pages, but the storytelling did get more engaging & interesting as the adventure part of the story began & that was the only reason that I kept on reading till the end.
The descriptions of the different Indian coffees & their preparation was very fascinating. I started craving coffee while reading about them.😅
The 1st quarter of the book had a very dry, uninteresting writing & badly written characters. Rahul was boring & even irritating at times & Neha had no personality whatsoever. I felt like even the other smaller female characters added were just there to satisfy the male gaze & nothing more. As the story progressed Neha did develop some personality & Rahul became less obnoxious.
I almost DNFed the book several times in the first 100 pages, but the storytelling did get more engaging & interesting as the adventure part of the story began & that was the only reason that I kept on reading till the end.
The descriptions of the different Indian coffees & their preparation was very fascinating. I started craving coffee while reading about them.😅
October 29, 2019
A unique mix of coffee and adventure. Get your favourite coffee and start reading the book now
The book is a great read not only for the coffee lovers but for those who haven't yet discovered the mysteries of coffee yet. While gulping the twists and turns of beautifully woven storyline laden with seductive love of coffee (and the protagonists), I could feel the aroma of coffee brewing around me all the time. That's quite an experience in itself. Harish's love of coffee and love of travel intertwined with a unique understanding of human longing to explore makes the book special read.
I recommend the book strongly (by the way I like my coffee extra strong)
The book is a great read not only for the coffee lovers but for those who haven't yet discovered the mysteries of coffee yet. While gulping the twists and turns of beautifully woven storyline laden with seductive love of coffee (and the protagonists), I could feel the aroma of coffee brewing around me all the time. That's quite an experience in itself. Harish's love of coffee and love of travel intertwined with a unique understanding of human longing to explore makes the book special read.
I recommend the book strongly (by the way I like my coffee extra strong)
November 16, 2019
Never knew that so much can spun as a story around coffee and the love for it. Harish comes in as a master story-teller, spins plots, arouses curiosity, showcases his beverage experience and his travails to come up with an interesting novel. How different from the serious role that he handles!
its a coffee travelogue too with Monsoon Malabars, jaggery coffee, Shevaroy's Arabica and Manjarabad's Arabica thrown in with sub-plots around them.
This shall go as not only a recommended item but a gifting item too!
Besides, it deserves a special award from Coffee Board for the advertising!
its a coffee travelogue too with Monsoon Malabars, jaggery coffee, Shevaroy's Arabica and Manjarabad's Arabica thrown in with sub-plots around them.
This shall go as not only a recommended item but a gifting item too!
Besides, it deserves a special award from Coffee Board for the advertising!
February 22, 2020
Have to hand it to Harish Bhat. As topper in a class of highly competitive MBA students with logic and numbers as worshipped deities, how could one have guessed that he was biding his time to spin out a warm yarn smelling of coffee. And Malabar monsoon. And elephant dung. And lots more. With a sweep from Japan to Scandinavia. And taking readers on a journey both educational (with its details about types of coffee and its processes) and entertaining. Wittingly or otherwise, he has probably also created a new standard in Marketing.
August 6, 2020
At the outset, I must tell booklovers that I wasn't reading this novel but watching a superhit movie in my visualisation. This novel is so compelling that you tend to become curious and impetuous. The impact is so great that I started to savor coffee 😃 instead of Tea. The portrayal of coffee is so innate, I started hallucinating smell of coffee too while reading.
I wish to see this novel in the form of great movie, with great casting. Looking forward to part II as the protagonist Rahul and Neha still in Cottabetta Bungalow. Regards.. Nilesh
August 18, 2020
Newly Evolved Coffee Lover !!!!!
This is an amazing creation. Its totally irresistible to put the book down and I happened to finish this in 2 days. Totally engaging and mesmerizing to set on the magical voyage with Rahul & Neha. I am an avid reader but, I must admit that after a very long time, this book has created an impact just like the heavenly drink "Coffee" itself. It's very rightly said.....A Lot can happen over Coffee.
Will be definitely waiting for the next creation.
Thank You Harish Sir !!!
Regards
Tanushree
This is an amazing creation. Its totally irresistible to put the book down and I happened to finish this in 2 days. Totally engaging and mesmerizing to set on the magical voyage with Rahul & Neha. I am an avid reader but, I must admit that after a very long time, this book has created an impact just like the heavenly drink "Coffee" itself. It's very rightly said.....A Lot can happen over Coffee.
Will be definitely waiting for the next creation.
Thank You Harish Sir !!!
Regards
Tanushree
Read
January 31, 2021This is a magical coffee love story novel ! Breezy read carrying perfected details. And for a coffee aficionado, the euphoria of coffee characteristics, along with a good ghost is well justified.
From an advertising agency setting to the drives across Coorg and Coimbatore cities, the south Indian touch with real time locations, native names and restaurants, the magic kind of gets softer and real. It did rekindle my college days nostalgia..
An interesting read ! After all, all of us do believe in magic, don’t we !
From an advertising agency setting to the drives across Coorg and Coimbatore cities, the south Indian touch with real time locations, native names and restaurants, the magic kind of gets softer and real. It did rekindle my college days nostalgia..
An interesting read ! After all, all of us do believe in magic, don’t we !
February 9, 2025
Must read for all coffee lovers, impress or not but this would surely leave you drooling for some strong ooze fluid of c.beans. It is one of those books you would love to carry in a cozy coffee shop and perfect winter read. It is basically Before the Cofee Gets Cold meets South India. The concept of ghost was very similar to that in Before the Cofee Gets Cold. Rahul and Neha as a couple were so cute, they go in adventures etc. Absolutely amazing. The writing though did not make the justice for bringing out the emotion.
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