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O N C E : Ask Me Anything, Not Love
What would you do if you hurt the woman you loved beyond what is in human nature to forgive? That is the problem that Morkel has to overcome.As the celebrated author, 'M---, No Time for Love', Morkel has vowed to never write a love story, or a story with a female protagonist. A staunch bachelor, Morkel is set in his ways; he has vowed to never fall in love. However, during a holiday in Kiev Morkel meets a 'person of interest'; someone who will change his life forever. Though, as his name suggests, he still has 'no time for love'.Unfortunately, as he is about to learn, love has time for him and it has come knocking at the door of his heart. Will he open the door or ignore the knocking? Will he abandon the title he has worked so hard to create, and, by so doing, forge for himself a new title and destiny?How long can love wait for Morkel? How long will Morkel wait for love?
142 pages, Paperback
First published March 2, 2010
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April 16, 2010
It is related that one day they came upon Majnun sifting the dust, and his tears flowing down. They said, "What doest thou?" He said, "I seek for Layli." They cried, "Alas for thee! Layli is of pure spirit, and thou seekest her in the dust!" He said, "I seek her everywhere; haply somewhere I shall find her."
The true seeker hunteth naught but the object of his quest, and the lover hath no desire save union with his beloved. Nor shall the seeker reach his goal unless he sacrifice all things. That is, whatever he hath seen, and heard, and understood, all must he set at naught, that he may enter the realm of the spirit...
(Baha'u'llah, The Seven Valleys, p. 6)
--------------------------
ONCE This second novel by Mian Mohsin Zia mixes elements of attraction, obsession, selfishness, control and sacrifice in what is almost a compelling multi-level riff on the entire love story genre. Our protagonist is an author who will never write a love story. He, of course, writes a love story because he "falls in love" -- or at least thinks he is in love. And that is part of the compelling nature of ONCE -- the love struck narrator knows nothing of love. For all his tears and obsession, it is all about him, and love itself is a mere plot device.
So lovesick is he, he can't write; his fans await him -- he is Majnun seeking Layli in the dust of his own heart. The potentially powerful ending (no spoiler here) is somewhat weakened by the narrator attempting to tell the reader the moral of the story -- something no author would do in real life, or in a "real book." Mian is an author with a future -- hopefully one with a mainstream publishing house.
His talent is authentic, his future bright. This could be a three-hankie tear jerker movie, and Mian could evolve into a powerful literary talent. I admire Mian's dedication, zeal, talent and ability to self-promote out of love for his message rather than self-aggrandizement. The story is powerful, the narrator believable, the ending makes perfect sense in light of all that has gone before, and the main character tells us what he's learned. Personally, I wish he had kept his "lesson" to himself.
I am reminded of a true story told to me years ago by Lois Willows, a dear woman in Beverly Hills who held meetings in her home every Wednesday night for 30 years where she proclaimed the Oneness of God, the Oneness of Relgion, and the Oneness of all mankind. A Christian woman came to the meeting, and her heart was moved by the message of love, inclusion and equalty. She wondered, however, if Jesus would approve. "Pray about it," advised Lois. "Ask Jesus for confirmation." The following day the woman showed up at Lois' home to share an amazing story: She prayed with all her heart, and that night Jesus appeared to her in a dream. He was holding a large fresh fish. "Here," said Jesus. "This is fresh and new and I want you to have it"
"Well," said Lois, "Your prayer was answered. Jesus wants you to have this fresh spiritual food. He is replying to your question."
The woman looked at lois quizzically and replied. "Huh? I think Jesus is jsut telling me to eat more fish."
The "lesson" the woman "learned" from her dream was far less than what others would glean, and so it is with ONCE. The narrator believes he has learned something, and shares his lesson. Oh, would that Mian had restrained his pen, silenced his narrator, and allowed the reader to glean a lesson of their own.
This novel is a labor of love about the myths of love and attraction, self and selfishness, sacrifice, longing and self -loathing. This is a book about a man who doesn't know love, and proves it right up to the final page. Ask him anything, but not love.
The true seeker hunteth naught but the object of his quest, and the lover hath no desire save union with his beloved. Nor shall the seeker reach his goal unless he sacrifice all things. That is, whatever he hath seen, and heard, and understood, all must he set at naught, that he may enter the realm of the spirit...
(Baha'u'llah, The Seven Valleys, p. 6)
--------------------------
ONCE This second novel by Mian Mohsin Zia mixes elements of attraction, obsession, selfishness, control and sacrifice in what is almost a compelling multi-level riff on the entire love story genre. Our protagonist is an author who will never write a love story. He, of course, writes a love story because he "falls in love" -- or at least thinks he is in love. And that is part of the compelling nature of ONCE -- the love struck narrator knows nothing of love. For all his tears and obsession, it is all about him, and love itself is a mere plot device.
So lovesick is he, he can't write; his fans await him -- he is Majnun seeking Layli in the dust of his own heart. The potentially powerful ending (no spoiler here) is somewhat weakened by the narrator attempting to tell the reader the moral of the story -- something no author would do in real life, or in a "real book." Mian is an author with a future -- hopefully one with a mainstream publishing house.
His talent is authentic, his future bright. This could be a three-hankie tear jerker movie, and Mian could evolve into a powerful literary talent. I admire Mian's dedication, zeal, talent and ability to self-promote out of love for his message rather than self-aggrandizement. The story is powerful, the narrator believable, the ending makes perfect sense in light of all that has gone before, and the main character tells us what he's learned. Personally, I wish he had kept his "lesson" to himself.
I am reminded of a true story told to me years ago by Lois Willows, a dear woman in Beverly Hills who held meetings in her home every Wednesday night for 30 years where she proclaimed the Oneness of God, the Oneness of Relgion, and the Oneness of all mankind. A Christian woman came to the meeting, and her heart was moved by the message of love, inclusion and equalty. She wondered, however, if Jesus would approve. "Pray about it," advised Lois. "Ask Jesus for confirmation." The following day the woman showed up at Lois' home to share an amazing story: She prayed with all her heart, and that night Jesus appeared to her in a dream. He was holding a large fresh fish. "Here," said Jesus. "This is fresh and new and I want you to have it"
"Well," said Lois, "Your prayer was answered. Jesus wants you to have this fresh spiritual food. He is replying to your question."
The woman looked at lois quizzically and replied. "Huh? I think Jesus is jsut telling me to eat more fish."
The "lesson" the woman "learned" from her dream was far less than what others would glean, and so it is with ONCE. The narrator believes he has learned something, and shares his lesson. Oh, would that Mian had restrained his pen, silenced his narrator, and allowed the reader to glean a lesson of their own.
This novel is a labor of love about the myths of love and attraction, self and selfishness, sacrifice, longing and self -loathing. This is a book about a man who doesn't know love, and proves it right up to the final page. Ask him anything, but not love.
November 9, 2012
Original post here: http://offbeatvagabond.blogspot.com/2012/11/indie-book-review-once-ask-me-anything.html
Once (Ask Me Anything, Not Love) is a story about a successful novelist named 'M---, No Time For Love' aka Morkel. Morkel doesn't ever use a female protagonist. He doesn't see the need to have a woman be the focus of his books or his life. He has never been inspired enough to have a main one is his books. But things change when he visits Ukraine where he meets a woman that has changed his perception on life. But he doesn't realize how much he has changed until it is to late.
I really enjoyed our main character Morkel, well more towards the end of the book to be honest. I won't lie, I wanted to punch the mess out of him in this book. It is not so much he was a bad guy, but just the fact he was acting like the typical guy. He was so selfish and worried about his image, he couldn't see what was in front of him. He observes people for his books, but doesn't much pay attention to their emotions. I loved Maya. I can see how she inspired Morkel so much. She was so sweet and innocent and it kept me on edge to see what would happen between her and Morkel.
This is one of those reads that will stick with me for a very long time. I finished it yesterday and I have been thinking about it all day. Wow, what a storyteller Zia is. The story was paced so well and had moments that just killed me. Morkel meets Maya and is instantly enthralled with her. She wants to learn more English and he lies to her by telling her she is an English teacher. He doesn't want to be seen as the famous novelist. He says people put on a face when he tells them he is a writer. This is the perfect example of how one simple thing can change everything. I found myself shouting at the book at times. This story just pulled at me and didn't let go.
I was bouncing all over the place on what to give this. Like I said, Morkel made some questionable choices. There were things he did that made me quite angry. For instance, the flight scene had me raging. Morkel likes to go out of his way to comfort perfect strangers at a funeral of someone he has never met. But when it came time to comfort Maya, he ran off and left her. Again, I was pissed. And when he actually took flight, it still wasn't the first thing he thought of. He was excited about his book more. But his change in the end was so uplifting. I won't lie, I had tears in my eyes.
I don't want to give away anything, but this book truly blew me away. It was just so powerful and enlightening. The emotions that went through me reading this were so overwhelming and heart wrenching. There were times I had to stop and take a breather a time or two. This isn't your everyday contemporary romance. It belongs in a class of its own. The ending is so emotionally draining and I know not everything can be tied up into a perfect little bow, but dammit, I shall beg for a sequel. I don't think this review did this book justice. You just have to read this for yourself. Truly incredible.
Once (Ask Me Anything, Not Love) is a story about a successful novelist named 'M---, No Time For Love' aka Morkel. Morkel doesn't ever use a female protagonist. He doesn't see the need to have a woman be the focus of his books or his life. He has never been inspired enough to have a main one is his books. But things change when he visits Ukraine where he meets a woman that has changed his perception on life. But he doesn't realize how much he has changed until it is to late.
I really enjoyed our main character Morkel, well more towards the end of the book to be honest. I won't lie, I wanted to punch the mess out of him in this book. It is not so much he was a bad guy, but just the fact he was acting like the typical guy. He was so selfish and worried about his image, he couldn't see what was in front of him. He observes people for his books, but doesn't much pay attention to their emotions. I loved Maya. I can see how she inspired Morkel so much. She was so sweet and innocent and it kept me on edge to see what would happen between her and Morkel.
This is one of those reads that will stick with me for a very long time. I finished it yesterday and I have been thinking about it all day. Wow, what a storyteller Zia is. The story was paced so well and had moments that just killed me. Morkel meets Maya and is instantly enthralled with her. She wants to learn more English and he lies to her by telling her she is an English teacher. He doesn't want to be seen as the famous novelist. He says people put on a face when he tells them he is a writer. This is the perfect example of how one simple thing can change everything. I found myself shouting at the book at times. This story just pulled at me and didn't let go.
I was bouncing all over the place on what to give this. Like I said, Morkel made some questionable choices. There were things he did that made me quite angry. For instance, the flight scene had me raging. Morkel likes to go out of his way to comfort perfect strangers at a funeral of someone he has never met. But when it came time to comfort Maya, he ran off and left her. Again, I was pissed. And when he actually took flight, it still wasn't the first thing he thought of. He was excited about his book more. But his change in the end was so uplifting. I won't lie, I had tears in my eyes.
I don't want to give away anything, but this book truly blew me away. It was just so powerful and enlightening. The emotions that went through me reading this were so overwhelming and heart wrenching. There were times I had to stop and take a breather a time or two. This isn't your everyday contemporary romance. It belongs in a class of its own. The ending is so emotionally draining and I know not everything can be tied up into a perfect little bow, but dammit, I shall beg for a sequel. I don't think this review did this book justice. You just have to read this for yourself. Truly incredible.
April 16, 2010
Once by Mian Moshin Zia - 2010
Great love stories do not have a perfect ending; their imperfection makes them great and immortal. It is said that life is stranger than fiction, and that holds very true. In real life, we cannot predict what will happen next or how the future will unfold. If we could predict the future, then life would not be real. You will get perfect endings only in fairytales, because they are set in the imagination of the creator. Real life is far different to fairytales. “
This is the story of how M____no time for love , a famous novelist came to writing a love story. M had never had the inspiration behind love stories, he had not yet met a woman worth becoming his inspiration ,his female protagonist until one year he decided to visit Kiev, Ukraine for his yearly vacation.
It is in Kiev , that M which stands for Morkel meets Maya , first at a wedding which Morkel has stumbled upon , then at the shopping mall “Globus” , from that momment on everywhere Morkel turns Maya is there. As time progresses Morkel realises that Maya is everything he would want in a female protagonist and so he starts to write a love story, though this isn’t your everyday average love story. When Its time for Morkel to leave , he tells Maya everything about himself, we read with anticipation on how Maya will react to Morkels truth revealing statement.
As time passes , Morkel realises that Maya was his one true love and love really does exist for him , so he jet-sets to Kiev after the launch party of his new novel ONCE based on his experience with Maya . He tries everything to locate her from searching through old college campuses to even taking an ad out in the local paper, but nothing prevails. This part of the book reminded me of the movie “Take the Line” starring Lance Bass from NSYNC.
Fast-forward five years , Morkel has now made Kiev his hometown and has an adopted daughter Katrin who in ways reminds him alot of Maya , Will Morkel and Maya eventually end up together , were they meant to be ? This novel is summed up perfectly with the epilogue reading “True love only happens once, the rest is a compromise. Her words are simple. “Ask me anything, not Love.” A favourite part of this book was that it includes 3 romantic poems throughout it which adds that extra zing to it , pushing it over the stereotype of your average novel.Another thing that I did enjoy was the different nationalities of the characters , this made the book feel like it could appeal to a wide-world audience rather than one nationality mindset.
A Wonderful Love Story that shows us that love doesn’t always have to be a fairytale and by using this theme , it gives a reality handle to the story as for every happy ending , their is about as twice as many love stories that don’t end in happily ever after.
Great love stories do not have a perfect ending; their imperfection makes them great and immortal. It is said that life is stranger than fiction, and that holds very true. In real life, we cannot predict what will happen next or how the future will unfold. If we could predict the future, then life would not be real. You will get perfect endings only in fairytales, because they are set in the imagination of the creator. Real life is far different to fairytales. “
This is the story of how M____no time for love , a famous novelist came to writing a love story. M had never had the inspiration behind love stories, he had not yet met a woman worth becoming his inspiration ,his female protagonist until one year he decided to visit Kiev, Ukraine for his yearly vacation.
It is in Kiev , that M which stands for Morkel meets Maya , first at a wedding which Morkel has stumbled upon , then at the shopping mall “Globus” , from that momment on everywhere Morkel turns Maya is there. As time progresses Morkel realises that Maya is everything he would want in a female protagonist and so he starts to write a love story, though this isn’t your everyday average love story. When Its time for Morkel to leave , he tells Maya everything about himself, we read with anticipation on how Maya will react to Morkels truth revealing statement.
As time passes , Morkel realises that Maya was his one true love and love really does exist for him , so he jet-sets to Kiev after the launch party of his new novel ONCE based on his experience with Maya . He tries everything to locate her from searching through old college campuses to even taking an ad out in the local paper, but nothing prevails. This part of the book reminded me of the movie “Take the Line” starring Lance Bass from NSYNC.
Fast-forward five years , Morkel has now made Kiev his hometown and has an adopted daughter Katrin who in ways reminds him alot of Maya , Will Morkel and Maya eventually end up together , were they meant to be ? This novel is summed up perfectly with the epilogue reading “True love only happens once, the rest is a compromise. Her words are simple. “Ask me anything, not Love.” A favourite part of this book was that it includes 3 romantic poems throughout it which adds that extra zing to it , pushing it over the stereotype of your average novel.Another thing that I did enjoy was the different nationalities of the characters , this made the book feel like it could appeal to a wide-world audience rather than one nationality mindset.
A Wonderful Love Story that shows us that love doesn’t always have to be a fairytale and by using this theme , it gives a reality handle to the story as for every happy ending , their is about as twice as many love stories that don’t end in happily ever after.
June 22, 2010
Once Ask me anything not Love
There are million books in the world which were written about love. But “Once Ask me anything not Love” the book which deeply impressed and inspired me with its energy, and full of emotions, emotional experience.
The most I liked very much in this book , how the author expressed his thoughts and feelings to the readers.
There are of lot of strong expressions and quotes in this book. Such as “True love happens only once and everything else is just compromise”, or “Life comes with little surprise packages”, ”There are two things that cannot be taken away from someone: education and language” and e t c. I do say, that these quotes became very important in my life. They make think about. Moreover we can judge that author is really philosophically thought over the book. I think such useful expressions relate on not only this book, but to our life too, to human feeling, emotions. How wonderful sounds this one “It always seems easier to say hello then to say goodbye” It’s really great. This book filled with strong emotional potential which is come from the author’s heart.
When you read the book the Author makes you think about your own life too. This is a growth process in the mind of a human, for where your thoughts are, there you are. Author shows us it all depends on what you feed yourself with. Is it fast food, without any preparation on your part, or do you select and prepare it yourself, so your very own essence and energy go into it, together with a lot of planning and forethought? The digestion already begins with the planning and preparation, by the love, care, and attention to details to get it just right. So we can see in the book how important to pay attention to details and get it right. Sometimes we are blind to the reality. God gives us a chance only once, and it is very important to treat with it very carefully and use it in a time. So God will bless you. We shouldn’t be blind says to us Author.
If you lose your chance it may cost you too expensive as we understand through the main character in “Once Ask me anything not Love”.
I do recommend to everybody such wonderful interesting book as “Once Ask me anything not Love” , because this book isn’t only interesting and full of feelings, this book will teach you and may be open your eyes to the reality.
Thank you VERY MUCH TO THE AUTHOR MIAN MOHSIN ZIA!
There are million books in the world which were written about love. But “Once Ask me anything not Love” the book which deeply impressed and inspired me with its energy, and full of emotions, emotional experience.
The most I liked very much in this book , how the author expressed his thoughts and feelings to the readers.
There are of lot of strong expressions and quotes in this book. Such as “True love happens only once and everything else is just compromise”, or “Life comes with little surprise packages”, ”There are two things that cannot be taken away from someone: education and language” and e t c. I do say, that these quotes became very important in my life. They make think about. Moreover we can judge that author is really philosophically thought over the book. I think such useful expressions relate on not only this book, but to our life too, to human feeling, emotions. How wonderful sounds this one “It always seems easier to say hello then to say goodbye” It’s really great. This book filled with strong emotional potential which is come from the author’s heart.
When you read the book the Author makes you think about your own life too. This is a growth process in the mind of a human, for where your thoughts are, there you are. Author shows us it all depends on what you feed yourself with. Is it fast food, without any preparation on your part, or do you select and prepare it yourself, so your very own essence and energy go into it, together with a lot of planning and forethought? The digestion already begins with the planning and preparation, by the love, care, and attention to details to get it just right. So we can see in the book how important to pay attention to details and get it right. Sometimes we are blind to the reality. God gives us a chance only once, and it is very important to treat with it very carefully and use it in a time. So God will bless you. We shouldn’t be blind says to us Author.
If you lose your chance it may cost you too expensive as we understand through the main character in “Once Ask me anything not Love”.
I do recommend to everybody such wonderful interesting book as “Once Ask me anything not Love” , because this book isn’t only interesting and full of feelings, this book will teach you and may be open your eyes to the reality.
Thank you VERY MUCH TO THE AUTHOR MIAN MOHSIN ZIA!
September 26, 2012
‘M---, No Time for Love’ is an author who writes English novels. He sees no need to include women in his novels, and certainly no need for a female protagonist. With no future projects in mind, he flies to Kiev, Ukraine, for a holiday. Here, where no one knows him, he can be an ordinary person. M attends a funeral, then a wedding where he knows no one.
A beautiful woman stops him to remind him to tie his shoes. He rushes out to catch her, to find out more about this woman with the lustrous face and emerald eyes. She is amazed at the compassion and virtue she finds in his rare moment of truthfulness. They meet, again by accident, at the Globus market. He is touched by the “God Bless You” that once again precedes her goodbye. “It is her style, the Maya style. She has a charismatic personality, and her aura is impeccable.”
She, raised by Catholic nuns, finds in the ordinary Morkel, the love she has never known, except the love of God. M--- finds her innocence, and the peace and comfort he finds in her presence, captivating. Here, he discovers the female protagonist for which his publisher and his readers have been clamoring. However, he says, “if we could foresee the future, then many of our problems could be resolved; I could have saved myself from the mistake of a lifetime.”
Words are to the literary novelist and poet, what color is to a master painter, or notes to a gifted composer. Zia packs a lifetime of love, loss, melancholy, and forgiveness in 142 pages of masterful prose written in first person. He includes three poems to earmark and reread for themselves. I have only felt the undercurrents of such powerful depths in today’s words of Gabriel Garcia Marquez and Khalid Hosseini.
Zia’s novel portends much for his honor of Allah and his country, Pakistan. I believe that the combination of the power of faith and the uncertainty of a homeland in the currents of change may be the gristmill that produces such true and profound works. This is a book or E-book to place where it can be read over and over and over again, for each time there will be something new to discover and savor, whether you read it in English or in Russian.
The author provided me with a copy of this book for an unbiased review.
A beautiful woman stops him to remind him to tie his shoes. He rushes out to catch her, to find out more about this woman with the lustrous face and emerald eyes. She is amazed at the compassion and virtue she finds in his rare moment of truthfulness. They meet, again by accident, at the Globus market. He is touched by the “God Bless You” that once again precedes her goodbye. “It is her style, the Maya style. She has a charismatic personality, and her aura is impeccable.”
She, raised by Catholic nuns, finds in the ordinary Morkel, the love she has never known, except the love of God. M--- finds her innocence, and the peace and comfort he finds in her presence, captivating. Here, he discovers the female protagonist for which his publisher and his readers have been clamoring. However, he says, “if we could foresee the future, then many of our problems could be resolved; I could have saved myself from the mistake of a lifetime.”
Words are to the literary novelist and poet, what color is to a master painter, or notes to a gifted composer. Zia packs a lifetime of love, loss, melancholy, and forgiveness in 142 pages of masterful prose written in first person. He includes three poems to earmark and reread for themselves. I have only felt the undercurrents of such powerful depths in today’s words of Gabriel Garcia Marquez and Khalid Hosseini.
Zia’s novel portends much for his honor of Allah and his country, Pakistan. I believe that the combination of the power of faith and the uncertainty of a homeland in the currents of change may be the gristmill that produces such true and profound works. This is a book or E-book to place where it can be read over and over and over again, for each time there will be something new to discover and savor, whether you read it in English or in Russian.
The author provided me with a copy of this book for an unbiased review.
October 22, 2012
Mian Mohsin Zia contacted me and asked if I would write a review about his book Once: Ask Me Anything, Not Love.
Mian also wrote, “Monday, October 22 will be birthday and I hope my book touch your heart and gets a 5 star review. To get a 5 star review on your birthday is a great gift and I’ll be eagerly awaiting.”
New York Times bestselling author and Edgar Award winner Burl Barer stated, “Mian is an author with a future — hopefully one with a mainstream publishing house.” And I concur.
Happy Birthday Mian! Here is your 5 star review…
*****
When I started reading Once, I could not put it down. I found it to be a powerful religious love story and one that begs to have a sequel. And as the book unfolded, I started seeing it as a movie, perhaps one made for the Lifetime Movie Network.
Morkel, the main character of the book, has no time for love. As a novelist he relies on his observations to create characters for his books. Books that never had a female character, until he meets Maya, a young religious woman who has no one to love her but God.
After spending several days with Maya in Kiev, Ukraine, Morkel knows that something is happening to him, yet he chooses to deny it. How could it possibly be, for a person who so adamantly declared he had no time for love, fall in love? And why, when Morkel tells Maya how he used her as research for his book, does he feel horrible inside?
At this point in the book, my heart breaks for Maya as she watches Morkel deny love and flee back home to publish his long-awaited, by fans, book.
It has been said that the person who is in love, is the last one to know it, and that holds true with Morkel. Once he accepted that he was in love with Maya, he had to do everything in his power to find her again.
Can Morkel find Maya? Will she forgive him?
Follow along on Morkel’s and Maya’s journey through lies, love, laughter, happiness, betrayal, self-obsession, and selfishness.
Mian also wrote, “Monday, October 22 will be birthday and I hope my book touch your heart and gets a 5 star review. To get a 5 star review on your birthday is a great gift and I’ll be eagerly awaiting.”
New York Times bestselling author and Edgar Award winner Burl Barer stated, “Mian is an author with a future — hopefully one with a mainstream publishing house.” And I concur.
Happy Birthday Mian! Here is your 5 star review…
*****
When I started reading Once, I could not put it down. I found it to be a powerful religious love story and one that begs to have a sequel. And as the book unfolded, I started seeing it as a movie, perhaps one made for the Lifetime Movie Network.
Morkel, the main character of the book, has no time for love. As a novelist he relies on his observations to create characters for his books. Books that never had a female character, until he meets Maya, a young religious woman who has no one to love her but God.
After spending several days with Maya in Kiev, Ukraine, Morkel knows that something is happening to him, yet he chooses to deny it. How could it possibly be, for a person who so adamantly declared he had no time for love, fall in love? And why, when Morkel tells Maya how he used her as research for his book, does he feel horrible inside?
At this point in the book, my heart breaks for Maya as she watches Morkel deny love and flee back home to publish his long-awaited, by fans, book.
It has been said that the person who is in love, is the last one to know it, and that holds true with Morkel. Once he accepted that he was in love with Maya, he had to do everything in his power to find her again.
Can Morkel find Maya? Will she forgive him?
Follow along on Morkel’s and Maya’s journey through lies, love, laughter, happiness, betrayal, self-obsession, and selfishness.
September 30, 2012
Mian e-mailed me about doing a book review. He is from Pakistan and has an amazing resume besides being a novelist. He has written three novels and this one is a romance. I am a very adventurous reader, determined to read many genres and writing styles. Mian intrigued me, so decided to give it a go.
I downloaded the book and started to read. The protagonist is a famous novelist named Morkel who has a weird pen name - M, No Time for Love. He is a very self-absorbed man who meets a beautiful woman in Kiev while on vacation. He is too self-centered to realize he has broken the woman's heart when he leaves.But events occur that change Morkel's life and the author grabbed my heart.
ONCE - Ask Me Anything, Not Love is written a unique style. It is not "literary" or Americanized. I would have to say it is innocent, straightforward, and thought provoking.
The story is very, very touching.
Merged review:
Mian e-mailed me about doing a book review. He is from Pakistan and has an amazing resume besides being a novelist. He has written three novels and this one is a romance. I am a very adventurous reader, determined to read many genres and writing styles. Mian intrigued me, so decided to give it a go.
I downloaded the book and started to read. The protagonist is a famous novelist named Morkel who has a weird pen name - M, No Time for Love. He is a very self-absorbed man who meets a beautiful woman in Kiev while on vacation. He is too self-centered to realize he has broken the woman's heart when he leaves.But events occur that change Morkel's life and the author grabbed my heart.
ONCE - Ask Me Anything, Not Love is written a unique style. It is not "literary" or Americanized. I would have to say it is innocent, straightforward, and thought provoking.
The story is very, very touching.
I downloaded the book and started to read. The protagonist is a famous novelist named Morkel who has a weird pen name - M, No Time for Love. He is a very self-absorbed man who meets a beautiful woman in Kiev while on vacation. He is too self-centered to realize he has broken the woman's heart when he leaves.But events occur that change Morkel's life and the author grabbed my heart.
ONCE - Ask Me Anything, Not Love is written a unique style. It is not "literary" or Americanized. I would have to say it is innocent, straightforward, and thought provoking.
The story is very, very touching.
Merged review:
Mian e-mailed me about doing a book review. He is from Pakistan and has an amazing resume besides being a novelist. He has written three novels and this one is a romance. I am a very adventurous reader, determined to read many genres and writing styles. Mian intrigued me, so decided to give it a go.
I downloaded the book and started to read. The protagonist is a famous novelist named Morkel who has a weird pen name - M, No Time for Love. He is a very self-absorbed man who meets a beautiful woman in Kiev while on vacation. He is too self-centered to realize he has broken the woman's heart when he leaves.But events occur that change Morkel's life and the author grabbed my heart.
ONCE - Ask Me Anything, Not Love is written a unique style. It is not "literary" or Americanized. I would have to say it is innocent, straightforward, and thought provoking.
The story is very, very touching.
Want to read
February 15, 2016What would you do if you hurt the woman you loved beyond what is in human nature to forgive? That is the problem that Morkel has to overcome. As the celebrated author, 'M---, No Time for Love', Morkel has vowed to never write a love story, or a story with a female protagonist. A staunch bachelor, Morkel is set in his ways; he has vowed to never fall in love. However, during a holiday in Kiev Morkel meets a 'person of interest'; someone who will change his life forever. Though, as his name suggests, he still has 'no time for love'. Unfortunately, as he is about to learn, love has time for him and it has come knocking at the door of his heart. Will he open the door or ignore the knocking? Will he abandon the title he has worked so hard to create, and, by so doing, forge for himself a new title and destiny? How long can love wait for Morkel? How long will Morkel wait for love? "O N C E" boasts everything you could possibly look for in a novel. It has drama, romance, and love in action. It will take you on a heart-pounding emotional rollercoaster ride. It also includes three poems, two by the author himself and one modified by the author according to the need of the book, by consent of the original creator. Some added features accompanying this book include a picture gallery designed in Mexico and exclusive to this work, an international team who has worked hard to bring you this work of art, ranging from the United States of America all the way to South Africa, and a picture gallery representing the female protagonist fresh off the streets of Ukraine. "O N C E" also contains strong religious commentary, focusing on Christian's love for God, church, prayer and each other, as well as bringing some elements of Islam into discussion as well.
August 22, 2012
Mian Mohsin Zia’s fascinating book, Once: Ask Me Anything, Not Love, is a different kind of love story. The reader is transported on an emotional journey as the main character, M, learns about himself, and ultimately discovers his purpose in ways that he could not have anticipated or imagined.
There were several lessons I learned from this very enjoyable tale. 1. Unconditionally supportive friendships need to be valued and appreciated. 2. A person should not hide behind the facade of who he or she is supposed to be, based on who they always have been. 3. We need to be open to experience the full depth of our feelings and to be honest in our emotions. 4. When true love does come into our life, we need to recognize it for what it is and go for it.
Mian did a nice job in character development. I liked his characters, and, more importantly, I cared what happened to them. Although the story did not have the fairytale ending I was cheering for, the conclusion was satisfying and it was certainly worth the read.
-- Lisa Ryan, Chief Appreciation Strategist, Grategy; author of The Upside of Down Times: Discovering the Power of Gratitude and With Excellence; featured gratitude expert in “The Keeper of the Keys” and “The Gratitude Experiment” documentaries.
The Upside of Down Times: Discovering the Power of Gratitude
There were several lessons I learned from this very enjoyable tale. 1. Unconditionally supportive friendships need to be valued and appreciated. 2. A person should not hide behind the facade of who he or she is supposed to be, based on who they always have been. 3. We need to be open to experience the full depth of our feelings and to be honest in our emotions. 4. When true love does come into our life, we need to recognize it for what it is and go for it.
Mian did a nice job in character development. I liked his characters, and, more importantly, I cared what happened to them. Although the story did not have the fairytale ending I was cheering for, the conclusion was satisfying and it was certainly worth the read.
-- Lisa Ryan, Chief Appreciation Strategist, Grategy; author of The Upside of Down Times: Discovering the Power of Gratitude and With Excellence; featured gratitude expert in “The Keeper of the Keys” and “The Gratitude Experiment” documentaries.
The Upside of Down Times: Discovering the Power of Gratitude
September 27, 2012
“Once---Ask Me Anything” a romance novel by Mian Moshin Zia. His character of ‘M’ or Morkel is very self-assured and even arrogant in his attitude that he will never be in need of love. Morkel is a novelist who never had a female protagonist in any of his famous novels. Then he meets Maya, a pure soul, and he decides to research her and write a novel about a female protagonist for the first time. While he researches Maya, he begins to fall in love with her. The end is surprising.
My thoughts on the novel “Once---Ask Me Anything.”
This novel is completely different from anything I have ever read or expect to read in this genre. Not to say there is anything wrong with the novel at all. It was edited very well and precise in writing style. It is not an “Americanized” love story at all! I was taken aback. It was sort of like watching an independent film with a different writing style and a very pure, innocent love story. This is a definitely Godly novel, and not a sexual or even passionate novel. If you do not relish religious undertones, you will not appreciate the story.
I did enjoy “Once---Ask Me Anything” because it was different… Totally different! Don’t kid yourself thinking that this is just a romance, it is a sophisticated and complicated story which uses God as the focus.
I was given the novel to do a non-biased review, and I have to give the Author, Mian Moshin Zia a five stars for “Once---Ask Me Anything” is truly unique.
August 22, 2010
This book is aptly titled because the protagonist in it knows nothing of love, which becomes his downfall. He believes he can live a life without a female companion, as well as a female in the books he writes. He is a famous author who unwittingly falls in love. Somehow he doesn't realize he has found true love until it is too late. The woman of his dreams instead becomes the center of a book he writes with her as the protagonist. He gets so caught up in the excitement of this that he ignores the highly personal nature of his find. Of course she has also fallen in love with him, but finds that he is so out of it that he doesn't realize he has the same feelings for her. This is the only problem I had with this story. I didn't quite understand how he didn't know what he was feeling in his heart. I expect it was because it hit him with such surprise, since he'd never felt this feeling of love before. There is a Christian slant to the book, but it is positive and subtle. I think this would be a good read for anyone who likes to realize that we don't know what we've got till it's gone. There is a strong message of this here.
Julie Achterhoff
Author of Quantum Earth and Deadly Lucidity
Julie Achterhoff
Author of Quantum Earth and Deadly Lucidity
April 26, 2010
Book Review: Mian Mohsin Zia’s “ONCE-Ask me anything, Not Love.”
“The timeless message of seizing the day, delivered with an interesting twist.”
This “unlucky-in-love-love story” is poignant. ONCE speaks to anyone who is afraid to face and live their truth- in the moment. Morkel, the lead character in Zia’s book, is paralyzed by his fear of love, rendering him unable to admit his feelings for Maya, the female love interest in ONCE. Through Zia’s tale of love gone awry, we painstakingly ‘get’ how life presents us with precious, rare opportunities for love and how we choose to act upon these opportunities determines our entire future.
Raw, emotional, detailed and well paced, ONCE is a relatively fast read that packs a powerful message into an interesting, paradoxical tale. Meaningful, surprise twists in ONCE make for a more interesting, thought provoking read.
I enjoyed this story and the bittersweet afterthoughts it left me with.
Ellen M. DuBois-
Author of I Never Held You, a book about miscarriage, grief, healing and recovery, Jackie’s Heart and A-Z Affirmations and Host of MiscarriageHelp.com; Author website, http://ellendubois.com.
“The timeless message of seizing the day, delivered with an interesting twist.”
This “unlucky-in-love-love story” is poignant. ONCE speaks to anyone who is afraid to face and live their truth- in the moment. Morkel, the lead character in Zia’s book, is paralyzed by his fear of love, rendering him unable to admit his feelings for Maya, the female love interest in ONCE. Through Zia’s tale of love gone awry, we painstakingly ‘get’ how life presents us with precious, rare opportunities for love and how we choose to act upon these opportunities determines our entire future.
Raw, emotional, detailed and well paced, ONCE is a relatively fast read that packs a powerful message into an interesting, paradoxical tale. Meaningful, surprise twists in ONCE make for a more interesting, thought provoking read.
I enjoyed this story and the bittersweet afterthoughts it left me with.
Ellen M. DuBois-
Author of I Never Held You, a book about miscarriage, grief, healing and recovery, Jackie’s Heart and A-Z Affirmations and Host of MiscarriageHelp.com; Author website, http://ellendubois.com.
August 11, 2012
Once- Ask Me Anything-Not Love is not your traditional love story. It is written as if these two special souls were on a collision course with destiny.
I could not put this one down as you feel every emotion with Maya and Morkel as you have to read on to see if they will finally become united.
There is a very spiritual message here not only for the characters but also for the reader. The words relay how love can truly change a person and what special power it holds. I shed a few tears as Morkel ‘s world is torn apart and you are with him every step of the way as he encounters the pain that he self inflicts upon himself. He will finally learn the true path that he was destined to follow with a surprise ending. This novel will leave you wanting a sequel as this love story must continue.
Mian Moshin Zia writes from the heart. This was very easy to follow and the way the characters are portrayed are very believable. Mian knows how to put his feelings to words and his words of a desperate man in love will cut to the bone. As the story is peppered with poetry you will find yourself returning to read them again and again.
Lorraine Carey
I could not put this one down as you feel every emotion with Maya and Morkel as you have to read on to see if they will finally become united.
There is a very spiritual message here not only for the characters but also for the reader. The words relay how love can truly change a person and what special power it holds. I shed a few tears as Morkel ‘s world is torn apart and you are with him every step of the way as he encounters the pain that he self inflicts upon himself. He will finally learn the true path that he was destined to follow with a surprise ending. This novel will leave you wanting a sequel as this love story must continue.
Mian Moshin Zia writes from the heart. This was very easy to follow and the way the characters are portrayed are very believable. Mian knows how to put his feelings to words and his words of a desperate man in love will cut to the bone. As the story is peppered with poetry you will find yourself returning to read them again and again.
Lorraine Carey
January 26, 2014
I was asked to review Once (Ask Me Anything, Not Love) by Mian Mohsin Zia.
I enjoy reading many different types of books. This one intrigued me because it was written in a different way than most that I read. I've not read many books written in the first person. I enjoyed the self evaluation and the portrayal of the main character of himself and those around him.
I've met others in my lifetime who are like Morkel. They think they have their life figured out and have not left time for, or don't think they have time for anyone else. Morkel believes he has his life all figured out, but then....
As it often happens, he meets someone and then falls deeply in love with her as she does with him. Will Morkel be able to step out of his preconceived notions about his life? What will happen to Morkel and Maya? You can't help but fall in love with Maya. She is inspirational and she inspired Morkel.
What will be the end? I am not going to spoil it by giving details. Just know that you will feel many emotions as you read., I did enjoy the book and think that you will too. I hope there is a sequel to this story!!
I enjoy reading many different types of books. This one intrigued me because it was written in a different way than most that I read. I've not read many books written in the first person. I enjoyed the self evaluation and the portrayal of the main character of himself and those around him.
I've met others in my lifetime who are like Morkel. They think they have their life figured out and have not left time for, or don't think they have time for anyone else. Morkel believes he has his life all figured out, but then....
As it often happens, he meets someone and then falls deeply in love with her as she does with him. Will Morkel be able to step out of his preconceived notions about his life? What will happen to Morkel and Maya? You can't help but fall in love with Maya. She is inspirational and she inspired Morkel.
What will be the end? I am not going to spoil it by giving details. Just know that you will feel many emotions as you read., I did enjoy the book and think that you will too. I hope there is a sequel to this story!!
April 28, 2016
Once:Ask Me Anything, Not Love is a love story that begins with a character who has never experienced love. The story begins with the author, a famous novelist, being questioned by a reporter about why he has never had a woman as the central character in any of his novels.
The author then goes on vacation and accidentally meets a woman on several occasions. She is interested in speaking fluent English and he offers and pretends to be a professional English trainer. They spend time together and in the end he tells her who he really is and that he lied in order to write about her without her knowledge.
He returns home leaving her feeling used and dejected as he worries about missing his flight. His book is a great success and then he realizes that he is in love and searches for the woman that he left heartbroken at the airport. It is a journey of longing and discovery that will leave you surprised and shocked at the end.
It is not a typical romance novel. So if you are expecting intimacy, kissing, or passion, then this is not for you. If you have never experienced love, then you need to read this book.
The author then goes on vacation and accidentally meets a woman on several occasions. She is interested in speaking fluent English and he offers and pretends to be a professional English trainer. They spend time together and in the end he tells her who he really is and that he lied in order to write about her without her knowledge.
He returns home leaving her feeling used and dejected as he worries about missing his flight. His book is a great success and then he realizes that he is in love and searches for the woman that he left heartbroken at the airport. It is a journey of longing and discovery that will leave you surprised and shocked at the end.
It is not a typical romance novel. So if you are expecting intimacy, kissing, or passion, then this is not for you. If you have never experienced love, then you need to read this book.
June 22, 2010
Just the SECOND thing which came from his PEN and it is a Marvel. Rich in every human emotion and presents it dramatically with logical views without breaking the flow.. The whole saga is full of ups and downs which binds the reader to stick into it and find what comes next. The story is spun in such a beautiful way that one feels at times is this His / Her story?..... but still so different and written beautifully . The pace makes the book more enthralling and the rich characters make it more pure and unadulterated. Its just not an art to write the book but a detailed work where the descriptions are given of various people and places throughout the book giving it a real story look that happened with the protagonist and just not a fiction work and MIAN did his job in a Perfect way. Well versed and well phrased work with additional delicacy of poems which just add to its worth. A well written and well phased story with a touching end. A must for book lovers and Lovers. Waiting for your next venture eagerly…..God Bless You.- Ruby Sodhi
August 16, 2012
Love is a simple word. Yet it directs most of our lives. Without its existence, humanity would be bleak indeed. MorkeI, or better known as M - - No Time for Love is a well-known novelist, whose books are void of women. Now M - -No Time for Love is being requested by his publisher to come up with a love story. At first the idea doesn’t appeal to him, but then he travels to Kiev, where he meets the beautiful Maya and everything changes. Now M – No Time for Love finds the idea of writing a love story appealing, as he discovers the beautiful Maya might just be the right woman to teach him about love.
ONCE ASK ME ANYTHING, NOT LOVE by Author Mian Mohsin Zia is a journey of one man’s struggle to find love. The sites of Kiev and the Ukrainian people come alive in this lively tale. Morkel’s visit to unknown funerals and weddings was interesting and often amusing. Maya was refreshing and likable. An enjoyable read by a talented author.
ONCE ASK ME ANYTHING, NOT LOVE by Author Mian Mohsin Zia is a journey of one man’s struggle to find love. The sites of Kiev and the Ukrainian people come alive in this lively tale. Morkel’s visit to unknown funerals and weddings was interesting and often amusing. Maya was refreshing and likable. An enjoyable read by a talented author.
August 23, 2016
I found this hard to engage me for the first 10 pages but as soon as Maya walked into his life, it came to life. Morkel, the character who was a writer was hard to digest, full of himself, confident and slightly annoying but he had to be to show the loving, caring side of such a beautiful character as Maya. Before he meets her is in enveloped in the success he has achieved as a writer and now famous person, he cares only for the story but all that changes when he arrives in Kiev and meets the enticing, shy and under confident Maya who is everything he is not. She teaches him things about himself which he thought were never possible, to love and to feel loved. It truly is a love story with a different element. I am not going to give away anything because you have to read it to truly be involved in it.
Mian pens it beautifully, leaving us wanting more after every page, twists and turns with a breathtaking conclusion. Excellent Read.
Mian pens it beautifully, leaving us wanting more after every page, twists and turns with a breathtaking conclusion. Excellent Read.
November 21, 2010
I found the book, Once-----Ask Me Anything Not Love, to be very enjoyable and heartbreaking story at the same time to read. It is a story that stays with you long after you have finished reading it. I loved the style and voice of the author telling one man’s story that he had to share with the world. I loved how the man did everything that he could to right a mistake that he had made in his life. The use of poems made the story even more believable and heartfelt for me as a reader. I felt his pain and heartache through the entire story.
It is obvious that Mian has done an amazing amount of research on this book with the references to many places in Ukraine and surrounding cities. The use of poems and art work make the book unique and therefore make others want to read about someone that searches for love throughout their life.
It is obvious that Mian has done an amazing amount of research on this book with the references to many places in Ukraine and surrounding cities. The use of poems and art work make the book unique and therefore make others want to read about someone that searches for love throughout their life.
June 24, 2010
ONCE, was a surprisingly deep read. I was reminded, as a Catholic, how God intends for us to love others. Mian encompasses characters from so many different worlds, different faiths, different emotional backgrounds, that it makes for a brilliant tapestry of human interaction. I agree with the Smashwords reviewer who noted what a wonderful movie this would make.
The prose at times is a bit tight, the plotting forced in certain situations, but like Burl said (aforementioned Smashwords reviewer)this was published without the benefit of a professional edit.Overlook that aspect for now. With a good thorough run-through, this book will surpass its already well established fan base.
Read it, soak it in. His career is sure to go upwards from here.
The prose at times is a bit tight, the plotting forced in certain situations, but like Burl said (aforementioned Smashwords reviewer)this was published without the benefit of a professional edit.Overlook that aspect for now. With a good thorough run-through, this book will surpass its already well established fan base.
Read it, soak it in. His career is sure to go upwards from here.
April 18, 2010
It's difficult to find purity, brightness and honesty among modern books, books that can teach you to love people, to love life, to love God, to respect others and to care about people whom you love the most.
All that I found in ONCE is real. Many times while reading, I decided to take some rest and then move on with the book but at the end of each chapter I was even more excited to read more. I was not able to keep this book aside till I finished it. I'm extremely thankful to the author for such a masterpiece.
It's good to see the pictures, book trailer and to read in depth details about ONCE, but above all reading ONCE is unforgettable.
All that I found in ONCE is real. Many times while reading, I decided to take some rest and then move on with the book but at the end of each chapter I was even more excited to read more. I was not able to keep this book aside till I finished it. I'm extremely thankful to the author for such a masterpiece.
It's good to see the pictures, book trailer and to read in depth details about ONCE, but above all reading ONCE is unforgettable.
July 8, 2010
O N C E------Ask me anything, not Love by Mian Mohsin Zia I read this most beautiful book, I had planned to fast read this book but could not for each word had meaning and flowed one into the other. I understood the characters they were well crafted. I felt the emotion of the journey; I cried for the lost love that they both felt but I also cheered at the new lives that were shaped from their losses. This book talks about God and our everyday lives, how prayers are answered maybe not how we want them, his will not ours be done. We all live in the real world and this is a real book enjoy the read my friends … hugs Linda A. Scott
September 22, 2013
This could have been the kind of heart-wrenching story that reduces me to a teary-eyed, sniffing mess. But the writing was missing emotional connection or something that would really make me feel the pain of the characters. I can't quite put my finger on it; maybe it was a little too literal - I did this, I felt this, then that happened etc. Or maybe it would have been better if the author explored his characters more deeply. The descriptions of Ukraine were a little shallow, sort of like a name-dropping of the well-known sights of Kiev rather than painting a picture of what the city was like.
December 31, 2016
"Once – Ask Me Anything, Not Love" by Mian Mohsin Zia, is a inspirational tale of the struggle for love by one man, Morkel, whose brand is “M–, No Time for Love”. But love strikes when it is least expected and who you would least expect to fall under it’s spell.... "Once – Ask Me Anything, Not Love" is a love story from the male perspective, a unique and entertaining tale, but not a romance.
Read my full review of "Once" on my blog:
https://kayelynnebooth.wordpress.com/...
Read my full review of "Once" on my blog:
https://kayelynnebooth.wordpress.com/...
May 19, 2016
Loosing myself into the characters of 'Once, Ask Me Anything, Not Love' by Mian Mohsin Zia I find myself giggling at the main characters' actions, I can feel the embarrassment in the awkward moments, and I struggle with anticipation as the story comes to an end. I love a book that draws me in, makes me feel, and brings me to see beyond myself- this book does just that. Get your copy and enjoy. ~ Author H.E. Olsen
September 18, 2012
Excellent! I haven’t read such a solid book in recent times. I enjoyed it thoroughly and recommend it to others who like to read about love. Mr. Mian has done a fantastic job by keeping the readers engaged. The story is presented in a unique style with poems and a picture gallery. It is worth every cent.
December 14, 2016
Intriguing!!! This is a great book... a wonderful quick read, The writing style of this type of romance is unlike any other.. Very unique. The author has a way of making the story line very intriguing. I love how he book starts off very comfortable and then it takes you off your seat rooting for them. I would Highly recommend this book to anyone.
May 17, 2013
* I won a copy of this book and was asked to review it.
This one surprised me. I am not a fan of romance books but this was really refreshing. Writing was very simple, story was very simple too but it had an air of sweetness and simplicity about it.
Full review to come soon.
This one surprised me. I am not a fan of romance books but this was really refreshing. Writing was very simple, story was very simple too but it had an air of sweetness and simplicity about it.
Full review to come soon.
May 4, 2012
A unique love story filled with selfishness, pride and fear.It was an easy read but lacked the passion and inspiration that makes reading a love story so much fun.
Want to read
December 21, 2012Author's guest post at my blog:
http://bookfare.blogspot.com/2012/12/...
http://bookfare.blogspot.com/2012/12/...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews