LockTheBox in Bengaluru: A Book fair more like a Literary Festival

   LockTheBox in Bengaluru: A Book fair more like a Literary Festival 

 

With the dawn of an early winter already upon it, Bengaluru braces itself for festivities that will extend beyond the New Year celebrations. The garden city which has proudly boasted everything for everyone’s taste will be host to a 17-day-long literary festival in LockTheBox–Reloaded, from the 16th of December 2022 to the 1st of January, 2023.

 

Having attended its earlier iteration in the city, Lock The Box is a carnival for all the bibliophiles out there, like me. With its upcoming edition already promising to be a much bigger and more worthwhile outing for the brand, book lovers in Bengaluru can rest assured that their literary appetite will be more than just satisfied.

 

Anyone who enjoys reading will find LockTheBox as the perfect opportunity this December. 

Genres ranging from adventure, knowledge, classics, love, sci-fi, fantasy, mystery, and crime to autobiographies, young adults, academics, and so much more will be on offer during the festival.

 

About LockTheBox

 

By any stretch of the imagination, it was not my first book fair in the city; however, it was one of my best-ever experiences at a literary sale event. I later realized the brand behind LockTheBox has been around for a very long time, and, in fact, it has been a pioneer in the Indian market for buying and selling new as well as used books. Bookchor.com, with its presence across multiple digital platforms, has contributed much to the changing dynamics of the book market in the country.

 

Since 2017, when LockTheBox marked its presence in the physical realm, Bookchor has welcomed thousands, if not lakhs, of visitors (who have turned into customers). 

 

The LockTheBox literary festival promises to feature the best literature from around the world, as well as a one-of-a-kind collection and the largest selection of books (which is actually true). As customers, they gave us the choice of selecting a customized box of our choosing and need only consider the size and ensure that it fits in the box and closes flat (that is quite literally the only condition).

 

LockTheBox is a unique concept where you can buy books, as many as you want to, depending on your budget convenience by having on offer 3 exclusive box categories (No points in guessing that, that’s where the name is coming from… Lock the Box) the ‘Odysseus’ Box, the ‘Perseus’ Box, the ‘Hercules’ box.

 

For someone like me who will always go for the biggest box, i.e., the “Hercules” Box (which costs INR 2999) that accommodates around 30 books the “Odysseus” Box, which costs INR 1199, can accommodate nearly 10 books, and the “Perseus” Box, costing INR 1799 and which can carry around 17 books, are not a bad deal at all. 

 

… 2022 Edition

 

We can expect more than just books in this edition of LockTheBox. It literally promises to be a literary carnival with fun, food, fans, and more. 

 

With its previous edition, which had already registered a footfall of over 1 million (I can vouch for it; I was there on multiple days...) One can only imagine how many more people will turn up this time around. 

 

Of course, the lineup of a literary feast is so much more savoring when names like Ravinder Singh (You are all I need fame) and Novoneel Chakraborty (That Kiss in the Rain fame) will be there for an exclusive interactive session on the 17th of December.

 

The book fair, which kicks off on the 16th of December, is happening at Shubh Convention, Puttenahalli, Phase 7, J. P. Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560078, every day from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM. And given the capability of the venue and the Bookchor team, this literary festival will without doubt garner the biggest turn-up of bibliophiles under one roof in the city.

 

I, along with my friends and family, have already made our plans and are, in fact, eyeing some of our favorite titles.

So, Bengaluru, mark your calendar and pick your time because one of the biggest literary festivals is coming to our city. 

 

 

       

Bookchor visit on :  

http://bookchor.com/ 

Lockbox visit on : 

http://lockthebox.in

BEDTIME STORIES

 When I have used the word "Exemplary " to describe the book, I mean it. Mind you, this book is written by a young author who is barely six years old. I guess wouldn't even know how to write alphabets at that age.

The innocence, the truth and the honestly is clearly visible in each and every story. Not that I complain off. It was like a breath of fresh air to read the minds of the buddy author who is brimming with fresh ideas. The poems were spot on. This book is an anthology of stories and one can read two or three a day and it's like a stress buster, transporting us to our carefree childhood days.

Add this one to your tbr right now guys. 

#bedtimestories #authorvedantPandey #booklovers #bookstagram

http://Vedantparashar.com

Author Nitya Ravi - " The woman within " Interview

 1) How did you come up with the idea for this book The Woman Within?

The book has what I call the ‘main suspense’. It started with a ‘What if’ question I applied to a particular situation. It gave birth to the idea of this book. I unfortunately cannot delve more into it. It might kill the suspense for those who haven’t read the book.

2) Was it difficult to write a psychological thriller?

Iam a sucker for thrillers especially psychological thrillers whether be it in the form of books or movies. Writing ‘The Woman Within’ was therefore not a difficult feat but it was essential to ensure that the readers were kept intrigued until they reached the main suspense of the book.

3) 

What was the most fun scene to write in The Woman Within?

I don’t think there are any fun scenes per se in this book because it’s a psychological thriller which has a good share of darkness.

4) What's the thing you're either proudest of about your newest novel, The Woman Within, compared to your last one, or the thing that sets it apart from them? 

My first book ‘What the Eyes See’ is a book of short stories. My current book ‘The Woman Within’ is a novel. That is the main difference between the two books. One thing Iam proud about ‘The Woman Within’ is that majority of the readers were not able to guess the suspense in the story.

5) What's the most challenging part about writing a thriller as opposed to any other genre?

I don’t write many genres but I believe the most challenging part about writing a thriller is ensuring the reader has an edge of the seat experience and keeps turning the pages.

6) What risks have you taken with your writing that has paid off?

I was told that horror/ dark stories would not sell but I did not pay heed to it. I was ok if it did not work because I wanted to write something I felt good writing about. I cannot write for what the market demands. It will make the story and the book look forced and fake. I stuck to writing dark stories and until now I haven’t regretted it.  Doesn’t mean I won’t switch genres tomorrow. If a great idea strikes me of any genre and I really want to tell it, nothing can stop me.

If your book were made into a movie, which actors would play your characters? 

That is a very tough question to answer because Iam sure the readers will have their own images when they read my book.

7) Do you feel retaining skeletons in one's closet can cause disturbing psychological changes in the long run?

I am not a certified psychologist to comment on this but I will tell you what I feel from what I have seen and heard with regards to few people I know. It might not cause disturbing psychological changes for each and everyone but I believe in some cases even though a person might be functioning normal, he/she will have this skeleton in in the closet clacking away and disturbing their mind with certain issues and they wouldn’t even know that it is the skeleton that is causing them these issues .That it just has to be taken out and taken care of which means speaking to a good therapist/counselor.

8) How did you become a writer?

I was interested in storytelling since I was a kid and loved making up stories and getting my friends to enact the same. With time I started writing short stories and even plays for college functions. It was just a matter of time that I sat down and wrote a book which I did almost 10 years back. That novel is still unpublished. Then in 2019 I published my book of short stories. 

Writing can be an emotionally draining and stressful pursuit. Any tips for aspiring writers?

Writing can be an emotionally fulfilling experience if it is something that you enjoy doing. I feel completely in control and at peace when I write. What is emotionally draining and stressful is marketing your book especially when you are a new author. 

To aspiring writers, all I have to say is just do the deed first. Write down that story that’s bursting in your head to be shown to the world. The rest comes later.

Decisions of heart by Saurabh Pant

 BOOK REVIEW

BOOK- DECISIONS OF HEART
AUTHOR - SAURABH PANT
GENRE - POETRY

" POETRY IS THE PAIN OF THE SOUL IN WORDS ".

The above quote was inspired by me after I read this book. It also summarises how a poet can Express and explore the emotions embedded deep in our hearts as words.

It is no simple job to express - especially which it comes to love. This book is a collection of several poems which implicitly explains what it is to lose a loved one. The one who made you laugh, dreamt with you, cuddled you and held your hand when no one was. The agony of the lovelorn poet is reflected in each world.

I have read poems but the poems in this book was filled with deep emotions. It also talks about relationships and how ego can destroy the peace and harmony of a home you aspire to build.

The impeccable writing and the intensity of the short poems where it also describes the various phases of a relationship is vivid. Whether it is describing about the walk under a street light or in a serene jungle, for a while , I was transported to the lush green forests with water falls or a calm pond or sometimes to the cobbled streets of Europe. My kind kept wandering as I tried to imagine the melancholy ambience the author created through his work.

Poetry lovers and anyone who is nursing a broken heart can find solace in his words.

Close your umbrellas

 BOOK REVIEW

BOOK - CLOSE YOUR UMBRELLAS
AUTHOR - V. S ARUNACHALAM
GENRE - POETRY, ANTHOLOGY, PROSE

What a beautiful and thoughtful way to pay tribute to your grandfather. Ravi Iyer is the grandson of the author of this book V.S Arunachalam. I wish I had such hidden treasures by my ancestors which I'm sure would awe me and motivate me.

This is one such treasure trove to the family. The book contains several candid and philosophical thoughts of the author on varied subjects.

The poetry is nice and short. But what grabbed my attention the most are the short stories which have unique titles. Being a history and polity lover, this was indeed a treat. I often ask my mom or anyone old enough about their experiences during the landmark events which changed the course of history. The author in this book has done that. His musings on the cold war, opinion about the allied and the axis powers, the secret weapon of Nehru ji, India's independence , stalin's regime and the spies system which prevailed and so much more.

I liked how the author combined the current political situations with hindu mythology and did a comparative analysis. The churning of the oceans and eventually how Lord Shiva stops the war between the Gods and the demons by gulping the poison only to be held in his throat by his faithful consort.

This books surely goes into the list of books which will be my comfort reads as the book is honest and funny with the candid writing of the author. his opinions are without restrain or fear and filled with patriotic feelings towards his country.

I would like to thank Ravi Iyer for bringing forth this book so that many readers can enjoy this book. A great read to relive the memories of the past which still loom large in front of our eyes.

All Kaal None - triology

 1.

Have you ever read a story where there is romance, thriller , sci fi and metaphysics ? 

Very few can spin a interesting tale while balancing all the elements. This intricately woven plot takes place across different planets and galaxies. 

Zeenath is the resident on planet earth. She is an independent girl. But she is looking for her soulmate. This love story and the connection between animals and humans takes us to different planets. 

The usage of mythology is interesting in the book and it is evident from the beginning. We are also introduced to the different planets, geographical conditions, residents and their linguistic diversity.

There are several timelines in the book which makes it an interesting read. Though it's a bulky one, the plot grasped my attention. I have read a lot about galaxies in geography but this book took me on a vivid tour and gave me the possibly of life on different planets and did a comparative analysis. The concept of churning of the galaxies was explained well. 

This book surely sucks you into the world of varied genres amalgamated well by the clever writing of the author.

This is the sequel in the series of all kaal none. I'm more than impressed with the way the author has continued with the development of characters mentioned in part 1. 

How would it be if we were to live in the midst of the aliens ? 

Well, this book gives a beautiful describe of the life that can be and not just their mere existence but the bond which forms between the beings of different planets. 

2.

The first book begins with planet Swaloka and in this book - the new planet is the white one. The celestial events and their impact is vividly described. Zeenath's search for true soul mate and the relationship she shares with Ekluvya strengthens. The backstories of other stories are also given in the book. The several problems and stigmas which had gripped the human society is given. How the human emotions are impacted is captivated in every chapter. The author clearly is captivated by the upanishads as we can see the influence even in this book. The discusses on God, universe and creation is intriguing and made me ponder over it.

I always felt strange about the various theories cooked up by the astrologers but this book had a chapter on Saturn. It gave me an idea about why and how Saturn can have an impact on the human life. 

A great book and the next book is the last one in the series. Will review it soon.

3.

The final book in the series All Kaal none is definitely a fitting ending to the great series. Loaded with emotions and gory battles, the author has done justice to the characters. 

Here , we are taken to the frozen planet of Jord. Zeenath has to deal with the reality that she wont be able to conceive. Supreme is awakened by his past memories and regrets for taking for love for granted which he so longs from the demon now. 

Trinity in alias with Raven Ravel is going against Trinash who is dealing with several issues at hand. The vivid description of the bloody battle between Tarika and Eckhart is enticing. This surely is the action packed book in the series. I got to admit that I didnt except the ending and it was baffling and shocking. 

I wouldn't want to delve deep into it as it is for the readers to find out. Finally, the author wants to drive out a message that one has to accept life for what it is and continue leading a life making the best of what's available to us. 

I appreciate the author in creating a universe where the social relationships, values, dilemmas , battles, technologies along with the hindu mythology was perfectly amalgamated to create a sci fi fiction. A great series and highly recommended for one and all.

Yama Echo by P.B. Flower

 BOOK REVIEW

BOOK - YAMA ECHO MAYA

AUTHOR - P.B. FLOWER

GENRE - FICTION, DYSTOPIAN

Love dystopian genre?

Have you ever wondered how would the world be if all the conspiracy theories and all crazy scientific discoveries come true ?

This book exactly does that. The author has combined several theories and gave us a world where a solution is being tried out in different areas. This is not even close to perfection as when we are trying to go against the natural order. Though some changes are welcome, still this book , still it is equally terrifying. Have you ever heard the term " designer babies " ?

This book explores that concept where the babies are twitched by removing disease causing genes to be perfect babies. This reminded me of a movie which I have watched long back. Even the concept of virtual motherhood was explored. Articifical intelligence is which in vogue and professing was ruling the day. Now is it a boon or a bane?

A character in the book - zylus was speaking against the government and questioning its various absurd policies. The author has done a credible job in amalgamation various theories to give is a exciting and scary dystopian novel. This is a top notch over 1984 by George orwell.

I would love to explore the authors other books. Dystopian lovers- must check this beauty out.