Bestseller – Ahmed Faiyaz

The last read of 2018 for me was amazing. Bestseller is a humorous read revolving around the world of Indian publishing. It is a witty and engaging presentation of the business of books in India.

Our hero here is Akshay Mathur whose book does not do well in the market and ends up being the editor of a struggling publishing house in India. Akshay needs to deliver 5 bestsellers within a year.

I have always thought that being paid to read is the best job in the world. And indeed AK has the best job. Finding out the gem from lots of rocks and the satisfaction that you chose the right book when it does well in the market are the perks of being an editor of a publishing company.

So AK is amidst Wannabe writers, competitors, movie adaptations, success parties, and launch parties. It stresses on how a good promotion of the book is also important to support a great book. And also how Promotion of books alone can’t help boost sales of an average book. Does AK manage to save the company by delivering 5 bestsellers is the rest of the story.

It is an Interesting and a light read. The writing is simple making it all the more enjoyable to read. I give 5 stars for this hilarious and captivating story. So if you are looking to read something light and happy this new year, then definitely give Bestseller a go.

Thank you writers melon and Rupa publications for the review copy. It is always a pleasure to work with you guys.

Fireside Chat with a Grammar Nazi Serial Killer – Ryan Suvaal

The problem with reading a good book is that you want to finish the book, but you don’t want to finish the book. Well that’s how I feel after reading this 7000 words long short story. I felt that it could have been a novel instead of a short story.

It is exactly as the title suggests. It focuses on an internet chat show where serial killers and other underworld criminals are interviewed without police intervention. Grazine Greta Jones is the serial killer who is interviewed on the show. She kills authors who make grammatical errors in their books. Each killing is thoroughly planned out. She discusses all her murders and the reason behind why she murdered them that way. And there’s a good twist in the end that is totally unexpected.

The murders are described vividly. So beware of some violent and gore scenes. The story is gripping and keeps you hooked on till the end. Given it’s size you can finish it in one go. I would rate the book 4/5 stars. Fireside Chat with a Grammar Nazi Serial Killer – Ryan Suvaal is a must read. Thank you Ryan Suvaal for the advance review copy.